Community Spotlight, the area's longest running local public affairs radio program, airs on all six Media One Radio Group stations each weekend and is also available to hear in our Podcast Section.  Each week we sit down with a community leader or another special guest to talk about issues within our community.  


Weather Forecasts are available across our radio stations each day and also as your fingertips! 

Connect with The National Weather Service's Buffalo Office or with WGRZ-TV for accurate weather information!

 

 

 


 

Trick - or - Treat Hours in Jamestown-area...

2018 Trick-or-Treat Hours in Jamestown-area....

 - Jamestown -- 6-8 PM... (same hours as Halloween FunFest)...
 - Town of Ellicott, and Falconer -- 5:30 to 7 PM...
 - Celoron -- 6-8 PM...
 - Frewsburg -- 6-8 PM....
 - Lakewood and Town of Busti -- 5:30 to 7:30 PM...
 - Town of Ellery and Bemus Point -- 6 to 8 PM...

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 31, 2018

The weather forecast for tonight is not looking too great for Halloween trick-or-treating, but people going to the city of Jamestown's 34th annual Halloween Fun-Fest will be high and dry....  

The program will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the former Allen Park Ice Rink, the same hours as regular trick-or-treating in the city.  City Parks and Recreation Coordinator Julia Ciesla-Hanley says the event is free for kids up to the age of 12.

Once again this year, Ciesla-Hanley says they'll have a haunted house and, a several food and other items to give out, including Pizza and donuts from Wegman's and Honest John's, along with carnival games.  She adds they'll also have music by the band "Take 2."  She says a new business "Oh Snap! Visuals" will be on hand with a photobooth, and pictures posted on line.  Ciesla-Hanley says they're helped by several community sponsors, including the Jamestown Cycle Shop, which is providing two bicycles for the two costume contest winners.  Other sponsors include the Allen Park Women's Club and, the Media One Group of radio stations.  


A bi-partisan group in Congress is renouncing hatred and bigotry, and urged their constitutents to come together in the wake of last Saturday's mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synogogue... 

Local Representative Tom Reed of Corning and Northern New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer, co-chair the Problems Solver's Caucus in the House.  Reed says there is "no room" for the hatred seen by the shooter responsible for killing 11 people at that house of worship.

Gotthheimer, who is in his first-term in the House of Representatives, echoed those sentiments.  The Democrat says he is also Jewish, and has seen a series of anti-semitic incidents in his 5th District.  He says "we need to put America above party" in Washington.  Gottheimer recalled what Senator John McCain said shortly before his death: "do not dispair about our present difficulties, we believe always in the promise and greatness of America because nothing is inevitable here.  Americans never quit we never surrender, we never hide from history, we make history."


The Democratic candidate for the 23rd Congressional District says leaders of integrity need to stand up and help get the country away from the divisive rhetoric of recent days...  

Many statements made from both sides of the political aisle are believed to have played some part in the recent mailing of pipe bombs to several prominent Demcrats and their supporters, and last Saturday's massacre that left 11 people dead at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh.  Penn Yan's Tracy Mitrano says she -- too -- is disturbed by the lack of civil discourse in the nation.

Mitrano says there are other instances of leaders rising up, including Abraham Lincoln's second inaugual address before the end of the Civil War in which he said "with malice towards none, and charity towards all."  Mitrano says she would certainly strive to be the kind of leader that can bring people together, if elected.


There's no trick to Halloween safety... 

That's the word from AAA's East Central Safety Advisor as trick-or-treaters prepare to hit the streets this evening Terri Rae Anthony offers some advice for parents getting their kids ready-- including, wearing reflectors, join them trick-or-treating, and be mindful of the stairs. 

AAA reports that pedestrians and drivers alike should be on alert during peak trick-or-treating hours between 5:30 and 9 PM.  For motorists, Anthony says to avoid distracted driving.  She adds that adult party-goers should plan accordingly by using a designated driver, consider an overnight stay and, prevent others from drinking and driving. 


Two people were hurt -- but, not seriously -- in a two-car, head-on crash in the north county town of Sheridan late Monday...  

Sheriff's officers were called to the scene on Route 5, near the intersection with Harrington Road, shortly before 6 PM.  Following an investigation, deputies say a westbound vehicle, operated by 18 year-old Alex Wirfel of Hamburg, crossed the center-line to make a left-turn.  However, his car struck the other vehicle, driven by 63 year-old David Pompietlasz, of Sheridan.  Both men were taken to local hospitals for treatment of what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.  Wirfel was issued an appearance ticket for failure to yield right of way for Sheridan Town Court at a later date.


A neighborhood revitalization effort of the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation is shaping up for the target area of 2019...  

That from the JRC's Neighborhood Project Manager Mary Maxwell, who says the Renaissance Block Challege 2.0 follows a Housing Market Analysis, and Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy study.

Maxwell says of the four target areas, the Allen Park/UPMC Chautauqua area became the target for 2019 for a number of reasons, including the fact the hospital is doing so much for that part of the city.  Maxwell says the Lenna Foundation has generously offered $150,000 towards the RBC 2.0 project.  Information and application details for the new program are still being worked on, but will potentially be made available in January. 


Pfizer, which will be under the leadership of a new Chief Executive Officer starting next year, is reporting better than expected earnings for the third-quarter...  

Earnings reported Tuesday were $4.11-billion or $0.69 per share.  Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to 78 cents per share, or 2 cents better than expected.  That's according to a survey by Zacks Investment Research.  The drugmaker posted revenue of $13.3-billion. Pfizer Inc. expects full-year earnings in the range of $2.98 to $3.02 per share, with revenue in the range of $53 billion to $53.7 billion.  Pfizer shares have climbed 19 percent since the beginning of the year.

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 30, 2018

City lawmakers have approved a revised, $180,000 Local Development Corporation loan to the owners of the Jamestown Brewing Company...  

The City Council voted 7-1 last night to rework the loan so the they have eight years to repay the loan to the JLDC.  A delay in shipping some materials for the project has put it behind and, the owners requested the change.  At-Large Councilman Andrew Liuzzo questioned whether Jamestown Brewing had adequate "skin in the game."  Mayor Sam Teresi says they have committed to paying 10 to 15-percent of the costs.

City Development Director Vince DeJoy echoed those sentiments and, added the project will put the former Renaissance Center back on the tax rolls.  Both he and Teresi emphasized that while the city is providing a loan through the JLDC -- there are others involved -- led by Five Star Bank, and the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency.  City Council had to vote on the revised measure because the loan is for more than $100,000.  Councilman Liuzzo voted against the agreement.


A city man who has a lot of managerial experience has been re-appointed to the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities to fill a recent vacancy...  

Mayor Sam Teresi appointed Tyler Case back onto the BPU at last night's council meeting after accepting the resignation of Chuck Cornell, effective Oct. 23.  Council approved the move unanimously.  Teresi says, when Case had to step down earlier this year, he expressed an interest in going back on the BPU in the future, if everything worked out.


A Jamestown man is in stable condition with serious injuries after being struck by a Sports Utility Vehicle early Sunday night near the Washington Street Bridge....  

City police were called to the scene near Forest Avenue about 8:20 PM.  Officers say the unidentified 47 year-old man was in the roadway on Forest Avenue when he was struck by the SUV, which was southbound on Washington Street.  The man was initially taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital, and later transferred to UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.  Police say the investigation is on-going, and no charges have been filed at this time.


A chorus of car horns and a crowd of over 150 greeted the championship JHS band as the buses returned to the city Monday...  

The Jamestown band took the top spot among 10 competing in the Large School 2 division in the state championships on Sunday in Syracuse.  JHS principal Mike McElrath said, "I know how hard these kids have worked thorughout the year," and called Sunday's performance outstanding and amazing.  Band director, Meghan Murray, thanked the students for their work... and the community, for its support, saying, "We share these succeses with all of you."  City Development Director Vince DeJoy told the crowd new signs proclaiming the band's championship will be erected at all entrances to the city.


Chautauqua County's top-elected officials says he's pleased that the County Legislature has approved a new budget for 2019 that cuts the county's property tax rate by $0.06 per thousand...  

Hanover Republican George Borrello adds it does so without using any money from the undesignated fund balance.  Borrello Monday said the process went well and was capped off with a 17-0 approval by lawmakers at last week's meeting.

Borrello adds that he will accept the changes made by the legislature to the just over $254-million spending plan.  He says they were able to find additional savings in most every department.  Borrello calls it a "historic budget" because it cuts the tax rate for the fifth year in a row.  He adds the historic part is really the amount of investment the county is making into infrastructure improvements across the county.  Borrello says the full value tax rate will drop to $8.38 per thousand in 2019.  He says that's down by $1.11 from the tax rate in 2006.


New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims of Saturday's mass shooting at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue and Friday's slayings of two black grocery store patrons in Kentucky.... 

The Democrat says flags will be lowered Monday through sunset on November 4th.  Cuomo says the entire nation has been shaken by the two shootings and by the attempted political bombings of prominent figures in the Democrat Party, including New York residents Hillary Clinton and George Soros, as well as CNN's Manhattan studios.  With New York state having the largest Jewish population outside Israel, Cuomo said he'll work to ensure religious institutions are free from violence and intolerance.


The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo says a televised report featuring a whistleblower who criticized the bishop's handling of clergy sexual misconduct was incomplete and out of context...  

In a statement Monday, the diocese didn't address specifics contained in Sunday's "60 Minutes" report, in which a former assistant to Bishop Richard Malone said she acted out of concern for victims.  Siobhan O'Connor secretly copied and shared confidential files with CBS and Buffalo's WKBW-TV.  Sunday's airing also featured a priest who said he believes eight or nine active priests should have been removed from ministry.  The diocese says it will add perspective in the future and is making changes to be more transparent and effective.  Malone has resisted calls to resign.  He says the diocese is cooperating with state and federal investigations.
 

News Headlines for Mon., Oct. 29, 2018

SUV-Pedestrian accident in Jamestown sends one to UPMC Chautauqua...
One person was taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital last night after they were struck by a Sports Utility Vehicle on the Washington Street bridge in Jamestown.  City police us the accident occured about 8:20 p.m., and, traffic in both directions was closed off for at least three-hours.  More details are expected later this morning.


Brocton man arrested on warrant, and weapons charges...
A Brocton man has been arrested for violating his probation... and, allegedly being found in possession of numerous weapon as a convicted Felon.  Sheriff's deputies went to a home on Route 20 in the town of Portland late last Friday night, and found 47 year-old Robert Harris inside.  Officers say they advised Harris that he was under arrest... and, he then tried to barricade himself inside.  Deputies eventually took Harris into custody.  Deputies say they also found Harris with several weapons in his possession.  Harris was arrested for resisting arrest... and, nine counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  He was arraigned, and sent to the county jail without bail.


Ashville man killed in one-car crash in Mayville...
An Ashville man was killed last weekend in a single-car accident on Beaujean road in Mayville.  Sheriff's officers say they were called to the scene about 10:30 last Saturday night... and, determined the vehicle had left the roadway and struck a telephone pole.  They say the car, driven by 33 year-old Roger Beaujean, Junior, had broken in half... and, the pole caught fire.  Deputies say that Beaujean was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash.  He was the only person inside the vehicle.  The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Westfield Police Department and the Mayville Fire Department at the scene.


JHS Band is once again State Champions...
The members of the Jamestown High School Red Raider Marching Band are state champions, once again.  The band won top place in the Large School 2 Division at the state finals Sunday at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. The band's show, Canon, based on the famed Pachelbel Canon, has been highly rated all season.  On Sunday, the show earned 89.9 points, three points ahead of Horseheads, the second place school.  Jamestown previously won championship honors in Large School 2 in both 2014 and 2015.  The JHS band will return home later today.  The F2CS Blue and Gold Vanguard from Falconer and Frewsburg also competed. They were in the Small School 3 division of the Syracuse event... finishing 8th.  Fewer than five points separated the top eight schools in that division.  


"Mamma Mia" may have been most successful show ever at Little Theater....
The most successful show in memory at the Lucille Ball Little Theater of Jamestown closed last Saturday night.  'Mamma Mia' sold out for eight of its nine performances.  Theater President, Bob Ostrom, was thrilled... calling the show a "phenominal success."  He says it was at least the most successful show they've had in 30 years.  'Mamma Mia' was directed by Helen Merrill.  She said it was terrific to have so many people leaving the theater feeling good... and added, "We need that so badly in our lives." The next show at Little Theater will be a 'Holiday Review'... on stage the weekend of Dec. 15.  


City Council to consider deferring JLDC loan repayments for Jamestown Brewing Company...
A delay in the shipment of materials for the new Jamestown Brewing Company has led creditors, including the city of Jamestown, to look at deferring loan payments.  The City Council tonight will vote at 7:30 p.m. on a plan to extend the time the company, slated to go into the former Jamestown Renaissance Center, can repay it's $180,000 Jamestown Local Development Corporation loan, from 7 to 8 years.  Finance Committee Chairman Tony Dolce says his panel recently approved the measure.  At-Large Councilman Andrew Liuzzo says he understands the delay in the project... but, did ask what happens if the brewing company were to default on the loan.  City Development Director Vince DeJoy noted that all creditors are in agreement to extending the time to the business so it can get up and running... and, he says they all want to see the new business succeed.  Under the new terms of the loan... Jamestown Brewing will not have to make a payment for the first six-months the loan has been out. 


Forestville man arrested for allegedly providing alcohol to minors...
A north county man has been arrested for allegedly supplying alcohol to minors... and, getting into a fight with one of the people at a home in Forestville.  Sheriff's officers were called to the scene on Pearl Street shortly before 9 p.m. Friday on a report of a disorderly person... and, found that 41 year-old Joel Tefft had allegedly supplied alcohol to minors and allowed those minors to get drunk.  Tefft is also accused of engaging in a fight with a person at the home... and, caused that person to sustain injuries.  He is charged with third-degree assault... two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and first-degree Unlawful Dealing with a Minor.  He was arraigned and sent to the County Jail one $1,000 cash bail.

WJTN Headlines for Sat., Oct. 27, 2018

Woman from Mayville arrested for leaving the scene of accident involving barn...
A Mayville woman has now been arrested for leaving the scene of an accident after her car went off a town of Chautauqua road, and crashed into some farm equipment and a barn.  Sheriff's officers say 44 year-old Erin Matjoulis of West Chautauqua Street was arrested late Thursday after investigating the crash... which occured on Parker Road about 10:30 p.m. this past Tuesday.  Deputies say Matjoulis then left the scene in her car without reporting the accident.  She was later found and charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident... fourth-degree criminal mischief... and, moving from lane unsafely.  Matjoulis will answer the charges in Chautauqua Town Court on a later date.


Cause determined in Cherry Creek house fire...
A late-morning electrical fire has displaced a family of six people in the village of Cherry Creek.  Chautauqua County Sheriff's Officers say Cherry Creek Fire received mutual aid from nearby jurisdictions for a residential fire at 665 Southside Ave. just after 11:30 a.m. Thursday.  Crews remained on the scene for nearly two-and-a-half hours before the County Fire Investigation Team was called in to determine a cause.  Deputies say flames originated in the attick due to an overheated electrical line in close proximity to combustibles.  The local Red Cross was contacted to assist the family.


Schmidt named as interim President at Jackson Center...
A familiar name has returned to head-up day-to-day operations at the Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown.  Retired school administrator Tom Schmidt is back as Interim President of the center... in addition to his role as chairman of the Jackson Center Board of Directors.  Schmidt tells our Dennis Webster the decision by the board came after the panel decided to restart it's search for a new executive director.  He says there was a "snag" in that, and the new search will begin at the first of next year.  The interim Director's position had recently been held by retired Jamestown School Superintendent Deke Kathman.  He replaced past director Susan Murphy... who left the position earlier this year.  Schmidt and others at the Jackson Center have been very busy the past couple of days with the state's Fourth-Circuit Court of Appeals held a day of proceedings there.  Oral arguments were heard by the five judges for a total of 22 cases Thursday.  A day featuring federal judges including... Elizabeth Wolford... Lawrence Vilardo... and, Frank Geraci, Junior... took place yesterday afternoon.


Teresi says city has lost a "community treasure" with passing of Vivian Taylor...
The city of Jamestown has lost another of it's "community treasures."  That's how many are remembering former, long-time  City Councilman Vivian Taylor... who passed away this past Wednesday morning at the age of 94.  Taylor had been in failing health in recent times... and, was preceeded by his wife, Lula, who died this past March.  Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi says Vivian Taylor was a long-time friend, and colleague... who "loved this community and loved life."  Taylor and his wife moved to the Jamestown-area in the 1950s from North Carolina during the days of "Jim Crow" laws in the south.  However... both emersed themselves in the community, their church, and raised their family here.  They also strived to teach history... including African-American history.  Vivian Taylor was on the City Council for 24 years... mainly representing Jamestown's northside.  He was the long-time chairman of the panel's Public Works Committee.  The Lind Funeral Home is handling arrangments for Vivian Taylor.


In wake of arrest of man who allegedly sent mail-bombs to prominent Democrats -- including himself -- Biden calls for toning down politicial Rhetoric...
Former Vice President Joe Biden says the United States has to come together, voicing concern with the partisan division and hatred he sees.  A target of the mail-bomb scare, Biden took a moment during a Democratic political rally in Hartford, Connecticut, Friday to speak about "all the pipe bombs, the sense of hate and terror that seems to be gripping us."  Biden quoted passages from the W.B. Yeats poem "The Second Coming," including the line, "Things fall apart; the center cannot hold."  Biden says, "I hope and pray that our leaders are prepared to lower the temperature of our public dialogue," suggesting, "We just have to remember who we are and what we stand for as a nation."


 

WJTN Sports headline-10/26

**We have two high school football play-off games this weekend on WJTN....

We have one sports announcement, 101-3 and 1240 WJTN will be providing play-by play coverage of two, high school football Section 6 semi-finals this weekend.  Tonight.... Wilson plays at Southwestern starting at 7 p.m., and, we'll have the Randolph/Frewsburg at Cleveland Hill game.  Kick-off for Saturday's game is set for 2 p.m.  Again, you can listen to both games on 103-1 FM and 1240 AM.... and for our out of town listeners, tune in online at WJTN.com

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 26, 2018

A 15th person has now been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with agents cracking a major methamphetime ring in the city of Jamestown...  

U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Junior announced late Thursday that the panel indicted Henry Stovall, Junior on charges of methamphetamine conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, methamphetamine, and using and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The other 14 people were arrested after being indicted last week.  The Post-Journal is reporting that Stovall was the man arrested after he fled to the Wrightsville, Pennsylvania area and, was later caught by federal, state and local authorities.  The charges against Stovall and the others carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10-million fine.  The previous 14 were found with quantities of meth, hand-guns, several cell phones, and cash. 


A city man has been arrested for allegedly being found in possession of a loaded 25-calibur pistol during a traffic stop early yesterday morning on Jamestown's southside...  

City police say they stopped a car at the corner of Foote Avenue and Briggs Street about 3 a.m. for inadequate lights and a loud muffler.  Officers say further investigation showed that the passenger, 32 year-old Kyle Kamholtz, was in possesion of the loaded gun.  Kamholtz was arrested for Felony second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and, he was jailed pending arraignment.  Anyone with information on any illegal activity can contact the JPD Confidential Tips-line at 483-TIPS (8477).  


The number-one issue facing the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office remains the on-going opioid drug epidemic...  

That from the two candidates seeking the office in two weeks: Democratic incumbant Joe Gerace, and Republican challenger Jim Quattrone during a forum in the Dunkirk-area Thursday morning.  Quattrone, a retired Sheriff's Department Lieutenant, stressed the need for cooperation on all levels-- not only between law enforcement patrols and task forces, but also with public health providers.

Sheriff Gerace has been the county's top-cop since 1995 and says the agency has been leading the effort to control the problem.  He says they have been looking at new programs...including opening a new addiction and dependancy unit in the jail.  Jamestown has had it's own drug task force for several years now and Gerace says he would like the city to rejoin the Southern Tier Task Force.

Quattrone says he believes he is the one who can bring both task forces under a single banner.  Gerace says he believes the Sheriff's Department, though, can only be a part of the solution and, adds that big pharmacutical companies also need to be held responsible -- in part -- for the epidemic.


The Jamestown High School Marching Band is inviting the public to a 'send off' performance on Saturday, before heading to the New York state championships in Syracuse... 

The  band's director,  Meghan Murray, says they'll play at 2:30 p.m. at Strider Field.  Jamestown's 2018 show is based on the Pachelbel Canon.  Meghan Murray says the band is performing 'really smart' right now, showing the best they can do every time.  The JHS Band will compete at 3:29 p.m. Sunday at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.  The F2CS Band from Falconer and Frewsburg will also compete on Sunday, at 9:44 AM.  Again, the Jamestown band's preview performance will be SATURDAY at 2:30 p.m. at Strider Field, weather permitting.  It is free.


A Warren County, Pennsylvania man has died from injuries sustained in a car accident Wednesday evening... 

State Police say the crash occurred on State Route 62 when a mini-van crossed the center lane and left the roadway and struck an embankment with its driver's side front end.  Troopers say the heavy impact caused the van to become airborne, then roll onto its roof and slide 145-feet coming to rest in the middle of the roadway.  The driver, 34 year-old Steven Walters -- of Endeavor-- was pulled from the vehicle and transferred to Warren General Hospital where he later died.


A Gowanda man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison following his conviction for distribution of child pornography...  

U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Junior says 20 year-old Shane Aurand received the term Wednesday from U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Vilardo.  Kennedy says the charge carried a minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 20 and, a quarter of a million dollar fine.  The assistant U-S Attorney handling the case says that, in March 2017, the defendant started communicating with an undercover law enforcement agent on the messaging application Kik. Aurand shared sexually explicit pictures of a 7-year old child that he produced while babysitting the child at his residence.  He also offered to send the undercover agent pictures of other children, if he received child pornography in return.

 
The man who has headed up the Jamestown's area's largest soup kitchen for the past four years will soon begin work in another kitchen...  

St. Susan's Center Executive Director Jeff Smith will be the new Food Services Director for the Jamestown Public Schools next Monday.  Smith says his final day as director at St. Susan's is today, but says he will have fond memories of the volunteers, and people they serve there.

Smith says he applied for the school district and, was informed that he had the job a few days ago.  He says he has mixed feelings as he wraps up his work at St. Susan's.  However, he says while he's leaving, the soup kitchen's mission remains an important one in the community.  He says they served just under 122,000 meals last year and, they're on a similar pace this year.  Smith adds they are now also providing meals for the men's U-CAN Center in Jamestown and, that will likely take their meal totals to 140,000 in 2018.  St. Susan's Assistant Director, Katie Murdock, will be interim director while the board looks for a new director.


Several fire companies from Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties were called to help put out a blaze that damaged a home in the village of Cherry Creek...  

Sheriff's Department dispatchers say Cherry Creek crews were called to the scene on Southside Avenue just after 11:30 a.m. Thursday.  They were joined by firefighters from Ellington, Kennedy, Sinclairville and, South Dayton and Conewango from Cattaraugus.  No injuries were reported and, crews were at the scene about 2.5 hours.


Former Vice President Joe Biden says he hopes the shock of a mail bomb plot targeting him and other public figures has been enough to help end the country's divide....  

Biden addressed the mailings in suburban Buffalo Thursday during a campaign stop with a western New York congressional candidate ahead of a speech at the University at Buffalo.  Biden and Democrat Nate McMurray stopped for pancakes at a Lancaster restaurant and spoke with patrons and staff, with Biden praising McMurray as "solid" and running for the right reasons.  McMurray is challenging Republican Chris Collins, who is running for re-election while awaiting trial on insider trading charges.  He's pleaded not guilty.  UB says it's increased security for Biden's speech.

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 25, 2018

Chautauqua County legislators approved a 2019 budget without opposition and with little debate during their monthly meeting Wednesday evening...  

The proposed spending plans calls for a six-cent decrease in the full value tax rate.  Legislator Pierre Chagnon chairs the Audit and Control committee, and was pleased with the way the budget making process went.  However, an area that Chagnon and the committee will be keeping an eye on, will be sales tax revenues. While lawmakers passed the budget 17-0, one legislator did express concerns about the Legislature's decision to include additional funding for the County D-A's Office to hire a drug prosecutor.  Jamestown Republican David Wilfong said the legislature and taxpayers will need to watch how that funding is used.


A Cattaraugus County man has died from injuries suffered in a three-car crash last Saturday in the town of Portville...  

Sheriff's officers in Little Valley say 79 year-old Paul Jurenko of Olean was a passenger in a Sports Utility Vehicle that was struck nearly head-on by a car on the Portville-Olean Road.  Deputies say the car, driven by 40 year-old Michael Bentley, was westbound about 11 a.m. when his vehicle crossed the center line and struck the SUV, operated by 76 year-old Susan Jurenko.  A parked vehicle was also involved, and sustained minor damage.  All three people involed were taken to Olean General Hospital and, Paul Jurenko was later taken to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, where he died late Tuesday.  The investigation is continuing.


Methamphetime continues to be a problem in Jamestown and, two alleged traffickers were arrested early yesterday morning during a traffic stop on the city's southside...  

Jamestown Police Captain Bob Samuelson says "good old-fashioned" police work by an alert officer led to the arrests of 32 year-old Brandon Smith, and 23 year-old Kylah Seiberg about 2:30 a.m. on South Main Street.  Samuelson says officers found more than six-ounces of crystal meth, nearly three-ounces of marijuana and, $4,000 in cash in their possession.

Samuelson says Smith was found with the cash and a smaller amount of meth, while Seiberg had more than five-ounces of meth, and the pot in her possession.  He says they were not considered mid or higher-level dealers, but adds the methamphetime appears to have been imported from Mexico or California.  Both suspects are charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.  Smith was arraigned, and freed on $10,000 bail.  If you have any information on illegal drug trafficking in the city, Samuelson says call the Metro Drug Task Force confidentially at 483-TIPS (8477).  You can also call their Tips 4-1-1 app.

 

The Jamestown Community College Foundation has presented its 2018 John Hamilton Award to local investvent broker John Anderson...  

He is the President of Bodell, Overcash, Anderson and Company, and has been a major contributor to JCC's Unified Student Assistance program.  The JCC Foundation also presented two 'Community Partner' awards.  One went to Lakeshore Savings Bank for its support of a number of JCC projects.  The other went to Media One's Dennis Webster for his work with the JCC Alumni Association and the High School Bowl academic competition.


When the Appellate Division of New York Supreme Court opens its session later today at the Robert H. Jackson Center, the five judges will feel right at home.  That from one of the founders of the Jackson Center, Greg Peterson...

Peterson says Cole Craft, located on Allen Street, made the five judge bench, two tables, a podium and a witness stand,  transforming the Cappa Theater into a real court room.  Dave Messinger, owner and CEO of Cole Craft, says it's typical of the kind of work they do with Red Oak wood.  Support for the project came from a number of foundations, and local attorney Art Bailey.  Fancher Chair and Geer Dunn also provided some of the amenities.  The new furniture will stay at the Jackson Center to be used for other events there.
-----

Dave Messinger says one of Cole Crafts other big projects right now is showroom furniture for all the Bentley Auto dealers in North and South America.  The company employs around 30 people.  


The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based sports group that owns the Jamestown Jammers is moving in another direction and, was ready to sell the team...  

However, a local community group has stepped forward in an effort to buy the team, and keep it here.  The announcement was made at Russell E. Diethrick Park late Wednesday morning by the current ownership group, ROC Ventures, represented by former Jammers Manager, Anthony Barone. 

Barone has also accepted a new offer to be ROC's Field Manager and Community Relations Director for their new, independent pro team (the Milwaukee Milkmen) who will play in the American Association in 2019.  With that, the Jammers will be "donated" to the new, non-profit group and resume play in the Perfect Game Collegiate League in 2020.  Perfect Game League Commissioner Bob Julian says when he talked to Mayor Sam Teresi about the proposal, he said the new group will need the extra time to prepare and create the organization that will own the club going forward. 


Special Meeting Announcement...

There will be a special meeting of the Ellicott Town Board tomorrow to deal with the proposed demolitions of two homes in West Ellicott.  Town Clerk Mike Erlandson says the session will begin at 12 Noon in the Town Hall, where they will vote on accepting new County Landback credits for the demolition work.


President Donald Trump has signed legislation that will allow the U-S Army Corps of Engineers to work with local officials to study of what needs to be done to help Chautauqua Lake...  

In a printed release yesterday, County Executive George Borrello says Congress had previously passed the America's Water Infrastructure Act, which allows the corps to due the study on developing ecosystem restoration, and flood risk management.  Borrello thanked local Congressman Tom Reed and, U-S Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for their support of the measure.  He adds "we are excited to see Congress pass this important step towards addressing the challenges in Chautauqua Lake.  Much work still needs to be done, but passage of this bill will allow the County to have an exceptionally experienced and powerful new partner in restoring Chautauqua Lake."


A federal judge has sentenced a son of former New York state Senate leader Dean Skelos to four years in prison after both men were convicted in a political corruption case...  

U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood sentenced Adam Skelos on Wednesday, several hours after announcing that his father must serve four years and three months in prison.  Both were convicted at a summer retrial.  Prosecutors alleged that Dean Skelos, a Republican, paved the way for his son to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars by pressuring businessmen in return for legislative acts that helped them.  Given a chance to talk, Adam Skelos said he and his father no longer speak.  He says the loss of his relationship with his father was a loss he thought he'd only experience in death.


A Jamestown man was arrested following a domestic incident on Thayer Street  yesterday evening... 

City police responded to a situation involving a man allegedly threatening to harm himself with a knife. Investigation revealed 27 year-old Timothy Markham, II had damaged a TV-set during an altercation with an unidentified female victim resident. Markham was arrested on several charges including felony aggravated family offense. He's being held in Jamestown city jail pending arraignment. 
 

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 24, 2018

There was strong disagreement on some controversial issues raised during last night's candidates forum for State Assembly at Jamestown Community College....  


Democratic challenger Judy Einach said she supports legalizing recreational marihuana in the state and cited information from a State Department of Health Report, which is currently the focus of state-wide hearings.  Einach says believes there would be sufficient controls to prevent children from using pot and, overall usage is not high.

Incumbant Republican Assemblyman Andy Goodell came out strongly opposed to such legislation and, the idea that usage would go down.  He says it flies in the face of the facts, which show usage went up in places like Colorado, where it's now legal.

Einach did agree that the age for being able to purchase marijuana should be higher than the proposed 21 because of pot's potential impact on developing brains.  Goodell also argued that the amount of pot dealt on the Black Market would increase if marijuana was legalized.
----

The legalization of pot was also discussed during the earlier debate between incumbant Democratic Sheriff Joe Gerace, and Republican challenger, Jim Quattrone.  Both oppose legalization and pointed to the likelyhood of more car accidents and other issues.  The two candidate forums were sponsored by the League of Women Voters, American Association of University Women, and JCC's Political Science Department.


Inter-agency cooperation was a big topic among several discussed by the candidates for Chautauqua County Sheriff during last night's debate at Jamestown Community College....  

Democratic incumbant Joe Gerace and Republican challenger Jim Quattrone were both asked why there are two drug task forces in the county.  For the past several years, Jamestown has had it's own "Metro" Drug Task Force, while the county is part of the Southern Tier Task Force.  Gerace says Jamestown decided to go on it's own.

Gerace says in talking with city police and other officials,he also offered a "hybrid" type of model that gave the city more control over what was done in the city.  However, that has not been acted on.  Quattrone says he would push for better cooperation among agencies and, proposed a panel to look at ways to do it.

Gerace says, even though there are two separate drug task forces, there are a number of areas where his department cooperates with others across the county.  He says those include use combining forces to create the Forensic Investigaton Team, along with the county-wide SWAT Team.  Gerace adds they also dispatch for seven area departments.
----

Most of the more than 60 people on hand for the Sheriff's debate stayed for the State Assembly debate between incumbant Republican Andy Goodell and challenger Judy Einach.  There was spirted debate on a number of issues, including late-term abortion and, legalization of marijuana.  The County's League of Women Voters, American Association of University Women and, JCC Political Science Department, sponsored the forums.


Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo wasted no time linking Republican challenger Marc Molinaro to the policies of President Donald Trump in the only debate between the gubernatorial candidates before next month's election...  

Cuomo, who is seeking a third term, repeatedly connected Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive, to Trump.  During last night's forum, he called them both "extreme" and says their policies are "reprehensible."  Molinaro reiterated his criticism of Cuomo for his handling of the state's economy, saying he let state spending increase.  He also criticized his administration for corruption.  Tuesday's debate at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City was broadcast on CBS affiliates around the state.  It didn't include the three third-party candidates: Libertarian Larry Sharpe, Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins and independent ex-Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner.


It'll be a night of fun, food and games at the city of Jamestown's 34th annual Halloween Fun-Fest a week from today at the former Allen Park Ice Rink...  

City officials and sponsors gathered Tuesday afternoon at Allen Park to promote the event, which draws hundreds of children each year.  City Parks Coordinator Julia Ciesla-Hanley says the event will be held from 6-8 p.m. Halloween night, the same hours as trick-or-treating.

In addition to the haunted house, Ciesla-Hanley says they'll also have games, and music by the band "Take 2."  She says a new business "Oh Snap! Visuals" will be on hand with a photobooth, and pictures posted on line.  Ciesla-Hanley says everything is free, thanks to several community sponsors, which will provide a "goody bag" for the kids, and free pizza and donuts.  The Jamestown Cycle Shop will also provide two bicycles for the grand prize winners in the annual costume contest.


The Democratic challenger in the 23rd Congressional District race says incumbant Republican Tom Reed has a "record" of not delivering for the district....  

However, Reed says he has supported measures that have brought about more jobs, and prosperity to the region.  Penn Yan Democrat Tracy Mitrano blasted Reed's voting record Tuesday on a number of items including major tax breaks, which she says only benefits the nation's top "one-percent..." and, will leave bigger federal deficits. 

Mitrano says Reed touted tax reform as something that would put $1,600 in the pockets of hard-working middle class residents.  But, Mitrano says the Tax Policy Center reports that the top one-percent is seeing a $69,000 a year break, while the middle-class is only seeing about $400 to $500 a year.  However, Reed says Mitrano is distorting his record, noting that he's been in touch with local constituents through more than 250 town halls and, he remains a resident of the district he represents.  He adds that constitutents "know us... and, what we're fighting for." 


Chief Justice John Roberts says he is "saddened to learn" that Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the U-S Supreme Court, has the beginning stages of dementia....  

Roberts said in a statement Tuesday that although O'Connor has announced she is withdrawing from public life, "no illness or condition can take away the inspiration she provides for those who will follow the many paths she has blazed."  O'Connor visited Chautauqua County a number of times, the first in 1996 when she helped dedicate the new statue of Robert H. Jackson at Jackson Square near Love Elementary School.  She returned to the Jackson Center for a program in 2007.  She also appeared at Chautauqua Institution in 2004 and, again in 2007.


The Independence Party in Chautauqua County is "proud" to announce it is endorsing incumbant Sheriff Joseph Gerace for re-election to a sixth term...  

In making the endorsement, State Committeeman, Thom Shagla, said "both the candidates were interviewed by a seven-person panel."  Shagla adds that "after the interviews, we went into closed session for discussions.  The first question made to us was, what has Joe done wrong?  No one had an answer."  Shagla says they have "supported Sheriff Gerace and found no outstanding reason not to support him now".


An Irving woman -- released with citations for drug possession -- faces additional charges of criminal impersonation during a traffic stop last Sunday... 

Deputies say they stopped a vehicle on Center Road in Sheridan and, during the course of the interaction, officers allegedly found her in possession of methamphetamine and hypodermic needles.  On Monday, deputies say they received information that the woman allegedly provided identifying information of her identical twin sister. Later known to be 24 year-old Maranda Hayden, she was arraigned on charges and sent to the county jail without bail. 
 

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 23, 2018

A man living in a home in the town of Gerry is being treated for serious burns suffered in a house fire -- near Sinclairville -- early yesterday morning...  

Sheriff's deputies say Sinclairville fire crews were called to the scene at 3083 Old Chautauqua Road, shortly before 6 a.m. and, found heavy fire coming from the structure.  However, officers say the unidentified man was able to drive himself to a nearby house after being burned.  The man was then flown by Starflight Helicopter to The Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo for treatment of burns over much of his body.  County fire investigators say the blaze started when a heating appliance caught nearby bedding materials on fire.  The man lived alone and, his name if being withheld pending the notification of family members.


Federal, state and local authorities were reportedly involved in arresting an armed man who had been on the run following a bank robbery in the region near Wrightsville, Pennsylvania... 

Police -- as well as the FBI -- were reportedly involved and, found the man -- who has not been identifed.  Monday's incident led to the Warren County School District putting it's northern and western "attendance areas" under lock-out until the situation was taken care of.  The Warren Times-Observer announced just after 1 p.m. that the district had "received word that the suspect is now in custody” and all schools were no longer under lockout status.  During the lock-out, students were returned inside the school, and school business continued as usual.  


The New York Supreme Court Appellate Division will move its regular session to the Robert H. Jackson Center on Thursday...  

Marion Beckerink, Director of Development at the Center, says it's an unprecedented opportunity to hear the finest litigators practicing the art of appellate argument.
The public is welcome to attend the session that starts at 10 a.m. Thursday.  Anyone interested should appear by 9:30 at the latest, as space is limited and regular court security will be enforced.   Five judges will be in place for the Thursday morning session, and will participate in an afternoon continuing education program for attorneys.  Contact the Jackson Center to register.  A day later, on Friday, three federal judges will come to the center for another continuing education session.


Three people escaped injury after their Sinclairville home caught fire early last Saturday morning...  

Sheriff's officers say Sinclairville Fire crews, along with several other mutual aid departments, responded to the scene at 7025 Rood Road shortly before 3 AM.  Deputies say two adults and one teenage occupant were able to escape the residence safely.  The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team responded to the scene and began an investigation.  At this time, they say no cause has been determined, but investigators add the investigation is continuing.


She's on the ballot, but State Senator Cathy Young is running for re-election unopposed...  

However, the Olean Republican says that doesn't mean she isn't following the other contests in the Senate.  Young says she is hopeful that the GOP can retain control of the Senate and, says there's a lot at stake for the upstate region.  She says that's because the last time Republicans lost control, spending and taxes shot way up.

Young says Republicans are doing what they can to hold-on to the majority, with many GOP candidates even doing a lot of door-to-door campaigning.  Young has been in the State Senate since 2005 and, became the first woman to ever chair the Senate Finance Committee in 2016.
-----

Young was in Dunkirk with several other officials to announce a $750,000 grant for the Senior Center and to cut the ribbon at Point Gratiot. 


U-S Senator Charles Schumer says progress is being made getting federal safety investigators fuller access to the limousine involved in a crash that killed 20 people two weeks ago...  

Schumer told reporters in Utica a National Transportation Safety Board representative was given "limited access" to the wreckage Friday.  He says a full investigation team could have access as early as later this week.  The senator's comments come a day after people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press that investigators have privately expressed frustration over their inability to fully examine the limousine.  The limo remains in the possession of state police after the operator was charged with criminally negligent homicide.  Spokesmen for the police and the NTSB say they're cooperating.  Police say all 20 people died from the impact of the crash.


Incumbant Republican Congressman Tom Reed has picked up a major national endorsement just two weeks before the November 6 election...  

President Donald Trump took to Twitter Monday morning to comment on a number of issues, but also tweeted his support for Reed.  That message read "Congressman Tom Reed of New York's 23rd District has done a great job.  He has my complete and total Endorsement!"  Reed this morning said he "appreciates" the president's support and, adds that Trump's style has brought results.

Reed says he also appreciates Trump's "positive disruptive" force that has turned Washington, D-C upside down, because he says it's for "the American people."  At the same time, the Corning Republican says he remains concerned about some of those Twitter feeds, and the President's at-times, inflamatory rhetoric.  He says, when he has a problem with Mr. Trump's rhetoric, he takes it directly to the president himself.  Reed initially supported Jeb Bush for president at the beginning of the 2016 election cycle, but threw his support to Trump once Bush withdrew from the race. 


Democrat Tracy Mitrano has picked up a significant endorsement in her run against Tom Reed for the 23rd Congressional District...  

New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul appeared with Mitrano last Saturday at the United Steelworkers Local 2683 in Dunkirk to announce that she is endorsing Mitrano.  The Buffalo area Democrat says the district -- and state -- will be in "much better hands" if Mitrano is elected.

Mitrano told supporters that Tom Reed has "turned his back" on the people of the 23rd Congressional District, and that she wants to give working and middle class people a voice.  Hochul and Mitrano were also joined by Chautauqua County Democratic Election Commissioner Norm Green, Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas, and Fredonia Mayor Athanasia Landis.

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 22, 2018

Firefighters were at the scene of a "working house fire" in the Village of Sinclairville early this morning... 

County dispatchers say crews from Ellington, Gerry and Sinclairville were called to the structure fire just before 6 a.m. at 30830 Old Chautauqua Road.  Dispatchers report one person was burned and was taken to a separate location, while Starflight was called in to assist. Additional man-power from the Fluvanna Fire Department was called in just before 7:00. No road closures have been announced. 

 

A Northeast, Pennsylvania man was arrested following a high-speed chase and, one-car accident when his car crashed into a house in the town of Mina...  

Sheriff's officers say they were alerted to a vehicle pursuit from Erie County, Pennsylvania, crossing into New York state about 1 a.m. Sunday.  Pennsylvania State Police tried to stop the vehicle, operated by 29 year-old Robert Thiem.  However, Thiem fled at a high-rate of speed onto Route 430 in Chautauqua County.  They say the pursuit was ended when the suspect vehicle tried to ram a State Police car and, the car hit a house on Route 430.  No one in the house was hurt.  State Police took Thiem into custody.  Police say further investigation found Thiem had a Felony arrest warrant out of Pennsylvania, in addition to possessing a quantity of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  Thiem was also allegedly found to be operating while impaired by drugs and, had a previous DUI conviction making this arrest a felony charge.  He faces several charges in both states... and, was arraigned as a Fugitive from Justice.  He was taken to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail.


A north county man has been sentenced to one-and-a-half years in federal prison for allgedly possessing and trafficking 500 or more grams of cocaine in the Dunkirk area....  

U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Junior has announced that 27 year-old Michael Pacheco, also known as Michael Dominguez, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of cocaine received the sentence late last week from Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank Geraci, Junior in Buffalo.  The prosecutor involved in the case says that Pacheco and co-defendant Fred Santiago trafficked "kilogram quantities" of the drug between July of 2016 and May 2nd of 2017.  The U-S Attorney's Office says Pacheco obtained cocaine from Santiago for sale and distribution to others.  During the time of the conspiracy, they say Pacheco made at least two undercover drug sales to law enforcement officers twice in April of 2017 and, he was arrested on May 2 of that year with cocaine in his possession, which was intended for sale. 


Jamestown city officials are now reviewing the two-year arbitration award issued to the Kendall Club-Police Benevolent Association for contract year's 2016 and 2017....  


City Corporation Counsel Marilyn Fiore-Lehman said -- in a printed statement last weekend -- that they are also "calculating the anticipated costs and the potential impact on past, current and future budget years."  She adds that the city is also reviewing all legal options.  On last weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the Media One Group of stations, Mayor Sam Teresi further cautioned about not adding spending in 2019 budget because the city may need to pay more for new contracts, or settlements.

For 2019, Teresi says the contingency account has $300,000 in it, while the undesignated fund balance has just over $1.8-million. In addition, Teresi says they have no contracts in place with any bargaining unit right now because his negotiating team is "slugging away for the taxpayers."  The arbitration panel voted 2-to-1 in favor of two-percent pay hikes for unionized police officers for both 2016 and 2017.


The Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System is pleased to announce that effective today, the new location for its bus hub in the city of Jamestown will be at 215 East Third Street...  

County Executive George Borrello says the hub, which was temporarily stationed at Pine Street, will provide a central location for CARTS customers in Jamestown.  He says renovations to the site in the coming months will include a heated indoor waiting area, and accessible bathroom facilities.  The county's Director of Public Facilities Brad Bentley, says "there are many benefits to our new hub location.  First and foremost, the new hub will provide location certainty to our customers.  CARTS will be able to maintain this hub year-round without having to temporarily move its operations for city functions.  In addition, with CARTS’ buses parking on site, it will free up street parking for area businesses."  The site for the new hub is owned by George Patti, III, who is active in downtown development.  The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation has also been involved in the move.


A skilled workforce and location are two of the most critical items that businesses look for when they move, or are starting up a new operation....  

That from Manufacturer's Association of the Southern Tier Director Todd Tranum during this past week's Teacher Development Day at the MTI at Jamestown Community College.  The program was part of National Manufacturing Month and, drew more than 40 teachers from across the county.  Tranum also told the teachers that while manufacturing in early days was dirty, dark and dangerous, it's much different today.

Tranum also says that the MTI offers a number of opportunities for local students, including their "AMP" program, which includes a scholarship, and internship opportunity that's all paid for.  He says it would result in certification to move into a local manufacturing position right away.  Tranum adds there are 260 job opportunities, right now, in the area.


In New York state government news... 

Local district attorneys are challenging a new law creating a commission on prosecutorial misconduct.  The District Attorneys' Association of the State of New York filed the lawsuit last week, arguing that the commission is unconstitutional because it interferes with the independence of elected prosecutors.  Supporters of the law say the commission is needed to protect the public from prosecutors who abuse their power.  Chautauqua County D-A Patrick Swanson supports the local D-A lawsuit.  Meantime, in the Governor's race, independent candidate Stephanie Miner wants Republican Marc Molinaro to clarify his opinion of Donald Trump.  Molinaro has said he didn't vote for the president and disagrees with some of his policies.  Meanwhile, Libertarian Larry Sharpe has a novel plan to raise revenue for infrastructure: sell the naming rights to bridges and subway stations.


New York state lawmakers want to review the current state of physical education, mental health and health instruction in the state's schools...  

The Assembly's Education Committee has scheduled a public hearing Tuesday in Albany to review the current programs in place related to student health and fitness.  Under a new state law that took effect this year... schools are required to teach mental health in traditional physical education and health classes.  The mandate is intended to help students understand more about emotional and mental wellness, and help them understand when to seek help for themselves or others.  Tuesday's hearing comes two months before lawmakers return to Albany for the 2019 legislative session.

News Headlines for Sun., Oct. 21, 2018

Deputy, woman identified from Friday morning crash in north county...
The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department is now identifying the two people hurt in a two-car crash involving a Sheriff's patrol car at the intersection of Straight and Center Roads in the town of Sheridan.  The  Sheriff's Office, State Police, and Chautauqua County Emergency Medical Services were among the units responding to the scene around 9 a.m. Friday.  Sheriff Joe Gerace, who was at the scene, says that the Sheriff's vehicle struck another vehicle... and, the Deputy, identified as 29 year-old Joseph Hallmark of Mayville, was flown by Starflight to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo for treatment of neck injuries.  Gerace says they are still investigating a number of factors that may have been involved in the crash.  He says it's not often that a patrol car is involved in such a crash, but Gerace says it's "alarming" and he is very concerned about his deputy and the other driver... identified as 36 year-old Theona Szumigala.  Szumigala was transported to Brooks Memorial with minor injuries. 


K-9 involved in Wednesday night drug bust in Jamestown...
A teenager wanted in the city of Jamestown was arrested during a traffic stop with drugs in the vehicle last Wednesday night.  Members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force say they assisted officers with pulling over the vehicle -- operated by 57 year-old Donald Peach, Jr. --  at the intersection of North Main and 10th Streets.  Officers say his passenger, 19 year-old Scott Eddy was taken into custody on the bench warrant, and, was also found in posssession of methamphetamine.  Assistance from State Police and K-9 "Kubi..." allegedly revealed more meth and crack cocaine inside the vehicle.  Officers say Peach was taken into custody on two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. 


CARTS hub to be relocated to East Third St. in Jamestown starting this Monday...
The Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System has announced that effective next Monday, Oct. 22, the new location for its bus hub in the city of Jamestown will be at 215 East Third St.  County Executive George Borrello says the hub, which was temporarily stationed at Pine Street, will provide a central location for CARTS customers in Jamestown.  He says renovations to the site in the coming months will also add a heated indoor waiting area and accessible bathroom facilities.  The county's Director of Public Facilities... Brad Bentley... says "there are many benefits to our new hub location.  “First and foremost, the new hub will provide location certainty to our customers.  CARTS will be able to maintain this hub year-round without having to temporarily move its operations for city functions.


Arbitrtation panel sides with JPD Union on wage increases...
The state's Public Employee Relations Board arbitration panel has awarded Jamestown police officers a 2-percent pay increase for 2016 and 2017.  On Thursday... the Post-Journal reported the PERB panel voted 2-to-1 in favor of the Kendall Club-Police Benevolent Association.  The paper reports that the PBA requested 5-percent pay increases for each year... while the city countered with no pay increases.  The city cited Jamestown's status exhausting the state’s constitutional taxing limit, and financial issues as reasons the city has no ability to pay.  The decision states that the city's case was weakened by "countervailing evidence."  The  board said despite the stresses it faced... the city's "careful and skillful budgeting" resulted in a surplus of more than $1.2-million in 2017.  However... union members will have to contribute more towards their health care. 


Teresi testifies on proposed annexation of property in Falconer at city line...
Testimony from all sides has been heard by a three-member State Appellate Court-tribunal regarding the city of Jamestown's effort to annex about four-acres of property in the village of Falconer at the city line.  Mayor Sam Teresi confirms that he was among the people called to testify before the panel last week on the city's proposal to take the property owned by the Board of Public utilities for it's Dow Street Substation.  Teresi says the panel is accepting all briefs, arguments and testimony in the case, and will present it to the Appellate Division with a recommendation.  The village... along with the town of Ellicott and Falconer School District oppose the annexation because they will be losing taxable property... and, sustain loses of tax revenues due to the change.  The city has argued that it needs the property to reduce costs, and claim it would be able to better maintain the location.  Teresi says the full court will next hear oral arguments from the attorneys in the matter before the end of the year. 

 

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 19, 2018

The state's Public Employee Relations Board arbitration panel has awarded Jamestown police officers a two-percent pay increase for 2016 and 2017...  

On Thursday, the Post-Journal reported the PERB panel voted 2-1 in favor of the Kendall Club-Police Benevolent Association.  The paper reports that the PBA requested five-percent pay increases for each year, while the city countered with no pay increases.  The city cited Jamestown's status exhausting the state's constitutional taxing limit, and financial issues as reasons the city has no ability to pay.  The decision states that the city's case was weakened by "countervailing evidence."  The board said despite the stresses it faced, the city's "careful and skillful budgeting" resulted in a surplus of more than $1.2-million in 2017.  However, union members will have to contribute more towards their health care.  We have a call into Mayor Sam Teresi for comment on the decision.


Testimony from all sides has been heard by a three-member State Appellate Court-tribunal regarding the city of Jamestown's effort to annex about four-acres of property in the village of Falconer at the city line....  

Mayor Sam Teresi confirms that he was among the people called to testify before the panel last week on the city's proposal to take the property owned by the Board of Public utilities for it's Dow Street Substation.

The village, along with the town of Ellicott and Falconer School District oppose the annexation because they will be losing taxable property and, sustain loses of tax revenues due to the change.  The city has argued that it needs the property to reduce costs, and claim it would be able to better maintain the location.  Teresi says the tribunal will now review the case and, make a final recommendation to the full court in Rochester.  He says they'll then hear oral arguments from the attorneys in the matter before the end of the year. 


The investigation is continuing into a crash in which a box truck struck a house in the village of Silver Creek, that also closed a portion of Route 20 early Thursday morning....  

Sheriff's officers say the truck, driven by 25 year-old Jacob Bostic of Buffalo, slammed into the house at 323 Central Avenue shortly before 8 AM.  Deputies say the truck also struck several street signs and a tree before hitting the house.  Bostic was treated at Lakeshore Hospital for minor injuries.  Officers say Silver Creek fire rescuers had to help residents get out of the second-floor of the house and, the county's HazMat Team was called in to deal with a diesel fuel leak at the scene.  None of the residents were hurt.  They are being helped by the local Red Cross.  Bostic faces several charges, including speeding, and unsafe lane change. 


More than 40 teachers from across Chautauqua County got to learn first-hand about local manufacturing jobs and required skills during a Teacher Development Day yesterday at the Manufacturing Technology Institute at Jamestown Community College....  

The event was organized by the Manufacturer's Association of the Southern Tier and it's "Dream it Do it" program.  MAST Executive Director Todd Tranum addressed the teachers, saying there are dozens of openings across the county, and they're growing.

Tranum noted that these manufacturing jobs aren't the ones our grandparents had.  He says these are high-tech jobs in "very clean" facilities.  He says a highly-skilled workforce is the major need and that's where the teachers come in.  Tranum says even lower-end jobs are paying well, including $40,000 a year on average for production jobs.  He adds they increase to $80,000 for industrial engineers.  The teachers also got to tour Weber Knapp Corporation, and Artone Manufacturing prior to the program at the MTI. 


A new report finds that when it comes to federal government, New York gives more than it receives.... 

Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says taxes paid by residents and businesses last year total about $24 billion more than the federal funds allotted to New York. It's the third straight year that's happened.  New York is one of 11 states with such an imbalance.  Only New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts receive a smaller fraction of what they contribute.  


Village of Fredonia.... 

Fredonia Village lawmakers voted 3-2 to eliminate the village administrator's position, which has been vacant since July when long-time administrator Richard St. George resigned.  Trustees Kara Christina, James Lynden and Michael Barris voted in favor of eliminating the position while Doug Essek and Roger Britz Jr. were opposed.


Expect the rollercoaster weather pattern to continue over the next several days...  

That's the word from Meteorologist Heather Kenyon of the National Weather Service in Buffalo.  The air was cold enough Thursday morning to change rain showers to snow showers over parts of Western New York.  Temperatures didn't get very warm yesterday, but there should be some moderation today.  She says we should see the upper 50s.  Temperatures dropped into the low to mid-30s Thursday morning, and, while there were no reports of any accumulation in Chautauqua County, there was two-inches of the white stuff reported near Humphrey in Cattaraugus County.

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 18, 2018

A federal grand jury has indicted 14 people with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine in the Jamestown-area since March of last year...  

U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Junior says the 14 residents face 42 counts in the indictment and, nine are being detained.  Kennedy says they include Danny Michael, III; Destiny Hare; Andrew Bennett, Searcy Fields, Michael Davis, Stacie Yancer, Ramael Fields, Jamell Trapp, and Zackiel Fields Jr.  He adds that Marcus Bowman, Ernest Cauley Jr., Jacob Motherwell, Alexis Hall and, Stephanie Harrison were released on conditions.  Kennedy says some also face other charges including possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, methamphetamine; using and maintaining a drug-involved premises; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; and being a Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  During the execution of search warrants, officers say they recovered 10 firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition, over 20 cellphones, drug paraphernalia, and cash.  All 14 face a minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10-million fine if convicted on the conspiracy charge.


A grass-roots effort by some local Democrats has led to the scheduling of a "Get out the Vote" rally this weekend at the Allen Park Bandshell...  

Two of the people involved in organizing the rally, Paul Leone and Shelly Walsh... say the event Saturday will begin with the first of several speakers at 1 PM.  Leone says -- in general -- the enthusiam level is "high" among local Democrats and, they expect a good turn-out Saturday.  The rally should run about two-hours. Leone says they are hoping for a good turn-out Saturday.  He says, because it may be rainy, they advise people attending to wear boots and have rain-gear with them. 

 

A well-known radio newscaster from the 1980's in Jamestown has died.  Tim Johnson was 59 when he succumbed to multiple myeloma on Sunday...  

Tim was hired at WKSN radio by Dan Fischer, who was news director at that time.  Fischer says Tim Johnson was "quiet, reserved and brillilant". After working as a radio reporter for several years, Tim moved on to Washington, DC and a career as a Congressional aide.  Dan Fischer, who now owns a radio station in Batavia,  recalls Johnson as a man who loved the political process.Calling hours and a funeral service for Tim Johnson are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the Migliore Funeral Home in Jamesotwn.  


New York state is seeking bids for redeveloping the more than two dozen service areas along the 570-mile Thruway system...  

The Thruway Authority on Tuesday announced that has issued a request for proposals to make improvements at 27 travel plazas through public-private partnerships.  One of those is located in Angola, between Dunkirk and Buffalo.  The agency says the plan calls for offering a more diverse selection of food and beverage options, with upgrades made to interior and exterior designs as well as the restrooms.  Thruway officials say the improvements will also include energy-efficient systems, electric vehicle charging stations and expanded parking for commercial drivers.  Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo said while releasing his 2018 agenda in early January that the service plazas are in ``dire need'' of improvements.  The last major remodeling of the facilities occurred in the early 1990s.


Both candidates for the 23rd Congressional District seat say they support manufacturing and are blasting their opponent's record on the issue...  

Democratic challenger Tracy Mitrano says incumbant Republican Tom Reed is making "untrue, slanderous and ridiculous" statements about her position.  During this week's media conference calls, Reed cited a Democratic forum last Spring before the primary, where Mitrano would not take a pledge to oppose outsourcing of jobs from the region.

Mitrano says her support of labor has been shown by her endorsement by the AFL-CIO.  During that forum last Spring, she notes that she also said that she wanted to read the pledge before signing it.  In addition, Mitrano says she visited with some Independent voters who worked at Dresser-Rand, and who complained that Reed has "done nothing" to help them.  Reed says that he "fights for manufacturing everyday..." especially through his position as Co-Chair of the Congressional Manufacturing Caucus.  Mitrano says she supports efforts to create a better trained workforce in the Southern Tier Region.


Former Southern Tier Congressman Amo Houghton has announced that he is endorsing Tom Reed for re-election...  

Houghton, who was local Congressman for several years in the 1990s, and early 2000s, says he's watched Reed "grow" and serve upstate New York "effectively in Congress on the Committee on Ways and Means."  Houghton adds that Reed "has become a champion for bi-partisan government and I appreciate the support he has received from Republicans and Democrats alike.  Most importantly, he cares."  Reed says he is "honored" by the endorsement, saying that Houghton is revered as "someone who sacrificed to be a true public servant whose leadership was marked by unifying people." 


A former energy company executive has been sentenced to 14-months in prison after he admitted giving the spouse of one of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's top aides a low-show job...  

Peter Galbraith Kelly Jr. was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni.  Caproni says she hopes those working in public affairs realize they must play by the rules even when political operatives and consultants urge them to cheat.  The judge, citing the sentencing earlier this year of others who took advantage of the power of state government, said few crimes are more serious than public corruption.  Kelly pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in May after a jury deadlocked at trial. Kelly admitted hiring Joseph Percoco's wife.  Percoco was sentenced this year to six years in prison.

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 17, 2018

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities announced that the Falconer flushing of water mains has been rescheduled to take place today through Friday this week, October 17-19, instead of on its traditional weekend flushing process..... 

BPU Spokeswoman Becky Robbins says the shift is due to high water levels and issues created by the North Main Street Bridge project.  The Village flushing, will take place after 8:30 p.m. tomorrow, overnight into Friday.  Robbins says flushing is expected to be completed by the noon hour on Friday.  She adds, customers are reminded that the flushing process may create discolored water in Falconer and also on the north side of Jamestown. Anyone with questions should contact the Flushing Hotline at 661-1688 or BPU Communications at 661-1680.


Several lawmakers on Capitol Hill are calling for the aggressive investigation and sanctioning of Saudi Arabia in the wake of the disappearance -- and likely death -- of a Saudi journalist in Turkey...  

Local Congressman Tom Reed isn't being as vocal as some of his colleagues, but he says if the Saudi government was involved in the death of Jamal Khashoggi, they need to be held accountable.

Turkish officials say they believe Khashoggi was killed during an interogation at the consulate and, his body dismembered.  The incident has led President Trump to walk a fine-line in criticizing the Saudi's because of last year's $110-billion arms sale deal with that government.  Reed says that may have to be something that's on the table and, he says any kind of sanctions would have to be significant and direct.  He says if they were involved -- even if the death was accidental -- it's "completely unacceptable."


The city of Jamestown has a new, four-year Flex Rate agreement in place between the Board of Public Utilities and another local manufacturer...  

Mayor Sam Teresi says the contract with TitanX will maintain lower energy costs for the local maker of heavy-duty engine cooling systems.  Teresi and BPU officials were on hand at TitanX Tuesday to sign the new contract to provide the slightly lower rates and, in return, TitanX pledges to invest in their Allen Street Extension plant and maintain it's employment levels.  

Teresi says there are still upwards of 100 manufacturers still in the city, or the industrial corridor near Falconer, which is where TitanX is located on Allen Street Extension.  Moore says the combination of lower cost and, reliable electricity is very important to their operations.  Titan's North American Human Resources Director Andy Johnson says the local plant is otherwise at a competitive disadvantage making products that primarily go out-of-state due to operating and transportation costs.  TitanX is a global company, now owned by the Tata Group from Mumbai, India and, employs 218 people full-time here.


One of the original plaintiffs in the landmark case 'Barnette vs. West Virginia' is in Jamestown to observe the 75th anniversary of the decision... 

Marie Barnett Snodgrass says she's honored the case is so revered, and a little surprised the decision is so resilient.  As young Jehovah's Witnesses, Marie and her sister defied the mandated flag salute and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in school.  Jamestown's Robert H. Jackson wrote the 1943 decision that permitted them to decline the ritual.  The case has been raised in the contemporary controversy over NFL players not standing for the National Anthem.  Marie Snodgrass says that 'does not affect' her.  Her only interest is that children get to worship as they want.  A number of the principals in 'Barnette' and the case that preceded it have assembled at the Robert H. Jackson Center.  The 75th anniversary observance continues through today.  The public is welcome.  


The number of jobs in New York's health care industry continues to rise, with that sector of the state's economy contributing about $71-billion dollars in wages last year....  

That's according to a new report released late Monday by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.  DiNapoli says health care jobs statewide topped 1.2 million in 2017, an increase of more than 18 percent over the past decade.  The Democrat's report found the health care industry had an average annual wage of more than $57,000 in 2017.  New York City led the state in growth in private-sector health care employment over the last decade with an increase of nearly 33 percent, followed by Long Island at 25 percent.  Among upstate regions, the Finger Lakes led the way with a nearly 19-percent increase in employment.


Jamestown's Department of Public Works is continuing to do it's work with crew trucks and other vehicles that are "well-past" their usefullness...  

That from DPW Director Jeff Lehman and City Fleet Manager Pat Monahan as they went before the city council to begin the 2019 budget review Monday night.  Lehman told lawmakers about $7-million worth of their equipment is in that condition.

Lehman and Monahan also said they need an open mechanic's position filled that was in this year's budget, but taken out of Mayor Sam Teresi's proposed spending plan.  Lehman says they also need at least a part-time maintenance person for Tracy Plaza and city hall because there is only one person right now that knows the building well.  The public works Department has been dealing with two leaking issues on the deck of the plaza, the most recent being over the Fire Department.  Parks Manager John Williams also says he needs at least three more laborers that aren't in the nearly $36-million budget plan.


The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation is celebrating a milestone this year,as the local organization celebrates it's 40th anniversary...  

First-year foundation Executive Director Tory Irgang says they are taking time to "pause, reflect, and celebrate" the accomplishment.  The Community Foundation, which was started in 1978 with about one-million dollars, helps fund various community projects, scholarships and grants.  Irgang says they now have assets in access of $100-million.

Irgang made her comments at the end of last Friday's presentation of the John D. Hamilton Community Service Award to retired Jamestown Community College biology professor Tom Erlandson.  That took place at the Celoron Harborfront Hotel.  Erlandson praised Hamilton as one of the people involved in starting up the foundation and, playing an important role in JCC's emergence. 


The last classic car show of the year put on by the Southern Tier Classic Chevy Club was nothing short of successful... 

That from club member Joe Siparek, who says that despite weather conditions at Peak 'n Peak resort, pver 700 cars came out to celebrate the 21st annual Greg Neid Memorial Car Show.  Siparek says they donate proceeds -- usually a "few thousand dollars" from the Greg Neid Car Show to Shriner's Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania each year.  He says they hope to do more this year.  The Southern Tier Classic Chevy Club, which started in 1991, holds between two-to-four events a year.

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 16, 2018

The Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood will be losing another anchor store with Monday's announcement that Sears Roebuck and Company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy...  

Four Sears stores in New York state -- including the mall store -- will close by the end of the year.  The Bon-Ton closed recently following a liquidation sale.  County Executive George Borrello acknowledges it's a blow to the shopping center and proof that on-line sales are hurting retail.

Sears, which has been inundated by debt and falling in-store sales, says it will begin liquidation sales shortly.  Borrello says his office has been working with the mall and, Ellicott officials -- regarding the Bon-Ton and former Sam's Club locations.  He says there is at least one entity showing interest in the Sam's Club location.  In a release from Sears, the K-Mart Store on Fairmount Avenue in West Ellicott will remain open.  The Sears store in the mall was one of it's original anchor stores when the shopping center opened in the 1970s.  We also have a call into Chautauqua Mall management for confirmation and comment.


The Emerald Ash Borer has claimed nearly all of Jamestown's remaining stock of Ash Trees along street right-of-ways in the city....  

That from City Arborist Dan Stone, who told the City Council last night that 176 of the remaining 196 trees will have to be taken down before bad weather arrives later in the year.  Stone says they were aware of the borer a decade ago when there were about 400 Ash trees.

Stone says they began cutting out Ash Trees after the borer began showing up in the region.  In fact, the first evidence of the Emerald Ash Borer in New York state was found in Randolph in nearby Cattaraugus County in 2009.  Stone says the invasive insect came here -- mostly on untreated wood pallets -- from China.  Stone says there are six streets where his parks crews will have to do the most work.  The largest number is on Prendergast Avenue, where 17 will have to be taken down.  He adds that eight to 10 trees have to be taken down on Euclid Avenue.  There are also several trees on Falconer Street, South Main Street, and, Springdale Avenue that have to come down.  More information is available on the city's website.


The Jamestown City Council started it's budget review last night with a look at the city's Public Works and, Parks and Recreation Departments....  

DPW Director Jeff Lehman noted the need for a designation for a part-time building manager at Tracy Plaza and, the need to replace several peaces of equipment.  No action was taken on any requests or concerns that were raised.  Mayor Sam Teresi proposed his 2019 spending plan back on October 9, noting that there were positive aspects, and challenges.  Perhaps the biggest positive, says Teresi, is the fact the city will begin 2019 with it's strongest fund-balance since the "Great Recession" of several years ago.  He says the general fund balance is $2.84-million and the majority -- just over $1.8-million -- is "available" funds.


There's just 22 days to go before Election Day and the campaigns for local, state and national office are heating up....  

Republicans from across southern Chautauqua County were on hand for the official opening of local Congressman Tom Reed's Jamestown Headquarters last night, which will also double as their general campaign headquarters.  County GOP Chairman Dave Wilfong says it's an exciting time, and the headquarters at 23 East Third Street gives them move visability to get each candidate's message out.

While yesterday was the opening on Congressman Reed's headquarters, he emphasized the need to elect local Republicans who are part of the effort to get the job done locally.  He says he often works with Goodell and State Senator Cathy Young on a variety of issues important to the district, and Chautauqua County.  While there has been a lot of good news with the economy, there are still issues that he wants to get addressed in Congress, namely workforce training so good jobs in the region can be filled. 


Local Congressman Tom Reed says the job is still not done and that's why he is seeking a fifth term in the House of Representatives....  

The Corning Republican spoke in Dunkirk earlier Monday about his run for re-election.  Reed told us that he is proud of his accomplishments since first being elected in 2010.  But, Reed says there is still a lot of work that must be done and he says one area is health care reform.  He says costs continue to go through the roof and, he's concerned that Democrats are trying to move America in the direction of Socialist health care, which he says is "not sustainable."  Among the other areas that need attention, says Reed, is aging infrastructure, immigration reform and the national debt crisis.  He is being challenged by Democrat Tracy Mitrano for the 23rd Congressional District.


Two people were arrested on drug posssession charges following a traffic stop in the Town of Randolph over the weekend...  

State Police say they stopped a vehicle on Route 394 operated by 27 year-old Christopher Hewes -- of Ashville -- and placed him under arrest after a license check revealed three suspensions.  A search of the vehicle was initated, and troopers allegedly found one-gram of heroin, four hypodermic needles, a partial suboxone strip, marijuana and a smoking device with pot residue.  His 30 year-old passenger -- Ashley Senko of Mayville-- was also taken into custody following the search.  Both were issued appearance tickets for Randolph Town Court.


U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer says there are glaring gaps in safety data about limousines because federal officials haven't done enough to investigate limo wrecks...  


The Senate's top Democrat says Saturday that the National Transportation Safety Board hasn't thoroughly investigated a single limousine crash since 2015.  His criticism comes about a week after a limousine crash in upstate New York that killed 20 people.  The NTSB agreed to investigate limo wrecks on a case-by-case basis after a 2015 crash that killed four women on New York's Long Island.  Crash data compiled by The Associated Press shows there were seven limousine crashes in 2015 and two in 2016.  Schumer wants the NTSB to issue immediate safety recommendations on stretch limousines.  NTSB spokesman Eric Weiss declined to comment on Saturday.

News Bulletin for Mon., Oct. 15, 2018

Long-time anchor in Chautauqua Mall, Sears, among 142 stores closing nationwide...
The Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood will be losing a second anchor store with today's announcement that Sears Roebuck and Company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  Four Sears stores in New York state -- including the mall store -- will close by the end of the year.  The Bon-Ton finally closed following a liquidation sale recently.  However... according to a listing provided by Sears... the K-Mart Store in Fairmount Avenue in West Ellicott will remain open.  Sears... which has been inundated by debt and falling in-store sales... says it will begin liquidation sales shortly.  The Sears store in the mall was one of it's original anchor stores when the shopping center opened in the 1970s.  We have a call into Chautauqua Mall management for confirmation and comment.
 

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 15, 2018

Two Jamestown men were hurt -- one seriously -- in a one-car rollover crash on Route 20 in the town of Sheridan early yesterday morning...  

Sheriff's officers were called to the scene just after 7 a.m., and found the driver, 24 year-old Bryan Sandreth of Pine Ridge Road, was westbound when he fell asleep at the wheel.  Deputies say the car crossed the center line and went off the roadway and stuck a utility pole.  The vehicle then rolled over several times.  Officers say Sandreth was taken to Brooks Hospital for treament of minor injuries.  However, his passenger, 33 year-old Kenneth Walker, was taken to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo for treatment.  Officers say Sandreth is charged with failure to keep right.


City lawmakers begin their extensive review of Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi's 2019 budget proposal tonight....  

Teresi proposed the nearly $36-million spending plan back on October 9.  There is no tax increase in the budget and, actually includes a 13-cent per thousand tax rate increase.  However, Teresi says there remain several challenges in the new spending plan,including salaries and benefits.  He says there are no increases in the budget, partly due to only filling positions that need to be.

At the same time, Teresi says there is the possibility of new contracts being agreed to -- or imposed -- for the police and fire departments.  He says one other challenge that remains is health care costs, but he says there is a silver lining in that.  The city received $1.5-million to initiate a new program that would allow retirees to transition from the city's "self-insurance" program into Medicare.  Teresi says 30 people signed up last year for the first time, saving about $300,000.  Tonight's review of the Public Works and Parks budgets begins at 6:30 PM.


The nearly $23.7-million budget proposed by Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas holds the line on property taxes, thanks in part to a state grant to improve lighting in the north county city....  

Rosas released the spending plan late last week, which includes about $1.1-million more in spending.  However, he says they are continuing to work with the state's Restructuring Board to find ways to reduce costs and says they have received a $1.1-million to put in new LED lights, which he says will save the city about one-million dollars over the next four years.  Rosas says -- even with the challenges they face -- they have been able to keep their undesignated fund balance in compliance with General Accepted Accounting Principles.  One of the biggest challenges, the loss of revenues from the mothballed NRG plant.  Rosas says the city is looking to utilize more shared services and is searching for more grant funding. 


A 1943 Supreme Court decision that has come to define 'civil liberties' in the United States will be celebrated Tuesday and Wednesday at the Jackson Center in Jamestown....  

Robert H. Jackson wrote the majority opinion in West Virginia vs. Barnette.  The Jackson Center's Greg Peterson says the decision supported the rights of the Barnette children, as Jehovah's Witnesses, to NOT salute the flag in school.  What Jackson wrote 75 years ago, for the majority in the 6-3 decision, is regarded as an exquisite expression of rights, including freedom of expression. 

One of the Barnette sisters will be at the program which begins with an open house Tuesday at 4 p.m., and continues Wednesday morning.  The Jehovah's Witness 'Watchtower Society' and C-SPAN television will be part of the event.  The public is welcome.


In New York state government news, when it comes to campaign cash, Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo is well ahead of Republican challenger Marc Molinaro just weeks before Election Day...  

According to the most recent filings, Cuomo has more than $9-million in the bank, compared to Molinaro's $211,000.  Also this week, a new analysis from Democratic Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli offers more dire predictions about the future of New York City's subways.  The financial report found the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will face big deficits in just a few years.  Finally, a state effort to combat a deadly disease affecting thousands of New Yorkers is underway.  Cuomo appointed several physicians, public health experts and community advocates to a new Hepatitis-C task force.


A new, seasonal attraction has officially opened on Baker Street Extension near Jamestown....

The ribbon was cut Saturday morning on the first-ever Pumpkintown on the former Cedarquist Farm property on the southside of Baker Street Extention in the town of Busti.  Pumpkintown is the brain-child of Eric Anderson, Marshall Miner, and Jason Jemberg and takes an "educational approach" to agriculture to teach how vegetables are grown, and cider is made.  Refreshments and food are available.  Anderson says they'll be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October.  General admission is $10.00, children under 2 are free.  He says seniors 65 and over are $5.00 and all veterans (retired and active) are free.


An Erie, Pennsylvania man accused of killing his wife and tossing her body into Lake Erie has been convicted of first-degree murder...  

The Erie Times-News reports that jurors deliberated for an hour and 40 minutes before convicting 49-year-old Christopher Leclair, who faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without possibility of parole.  Prosecutors in Erie County said Leclair was having an affair and killed his 51-year-old wife, Karen, in the summer of 2017 because his girlfriend had given him an ultimatum to choose between her and his wife.  Defense attorney Bruce Sandmeyer argued Friday that Karen Leclair killed herself because she was upset that her husband had been cheating on her.  Leclair convicted on all counts, which also included abuse of a corpse, evidence-tampering, and false reports.


Firefighters in Warren County were busy battling a blaze at the Conewango Apartments on Holly Street in Warren's Glad Township late Friday night....  

According to the Warren Times Observer the fire apparently broke out initially in the easternmost apartment, the farthest from Conewango Avenue. The Glade Volunteer Fire Department was in charge at the scene and firefighters and equipment from numerous departments including the city of Warren, Pleasant, Russell, Scandia, and Starbrick responded.  At about 9:40 p.m. the fire appeared to be out.  The Warren tower truck extended toward the building shortly thereafter and firefighters were working on the roof.  Shortly before 10 p.m., flames burst through the roof and rose high into the air, and were still visible near the center and east end of the building after 11:00.  A neighboring building was also reportedly damaged. Information about injuries, the cause of the fire, and other details were not available at press time.


A Sherman man has been arrested for allegedly punching another person in the face during an altercation at a location on Route 430 in the town of Sherman...  

Sheriff's officers say they were called to the scene of a physical altercation about 11:30 p.m. last Friday and arrested 54 year-old William Hurlbut.  Hurlbut was arraigned on one count of third-degree assault, and released pending a future court appearance.
 

WJTN Headlines for Sat., Oct. 13, 2018

Fire heavily damages major apartment complex in Warren County, PA...
Firefighters in Warren County, PA were busy battling a blaze at the Conewango Apartments on Holly Street in Glad Township late Friday night.  According to the Warren Times Observer... the fire apparently broke out initially in the easternmost apartment, the farthest from Conewango Avenue.  Glade Volunteer Fire Department was in charge at the scene and firefighters and equipment from numerous departments including the city of Warren, Pleasant, Russell, Scandia, and Starbrick responded.  At least 13 engines lined Holly Street and Conewango Avenue.  At about 9:40 p.m., the fire appeared to be out. but... heavy smoke began pouring from near the middle of the five-apartment building at about 9:52 p.m. and the firefighters left the roof.  At 9:56, flames burst through the roof and rose high into the air.  Flames were still visible at the roofline near the center and east end of the building after 11 p.m.  A neighboring building was also reportedly damaged.  Information about injuries, the cause of the fire, and other details were not available at press time. 


Molinaro's Manhattan campaign headquarters damaged, Antifa claims responsibility...
Vandals have damaged the Manhattan campaign office of Marc Molinaro, the Republican running for New York governor.  Molinaro says the damage includes smashed windows, a spray-painted door and glue put in the locks at the Metropolitan Republican Club, a long-time gathering spot for Republicans that hosts one of Molinaro's campaign offices.  The damage was discovered Friday.  Molinaro says he believes "radical leftists" possibly members of "Antifa" are behind the vandalism.  State Republican officials say a note was left behind boasting that the vandalism was "just the beginning." 


Erlandson presented Hamilton Award...
Retired biology professor at Jamestown Community College, Tom Erlandson, has received one of the area's major, community service awards.  John D. Hamilton Award Committee Chairwoman Bridget Johnson made the presentation to Tom Erlandson during last night's banquet... hosted by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation at the new, Celoron Harborfront Hotel.  Erlandson was named for his local contributions to academics and politics, and service organization.  He says that's especially the case when you're doing something that you love... and, don't consider it work.  He also reflected on John Hamilton... whom he got to know when he first worked at JCC.  In addition to being a long-time member of the faculty at Jamestown Community College... Erlandson is also a former Chautauqua County Legislator... and, Ellicott Town Board member.


Pumpkintown officially opens in Busti...
A new, seasonal attraction has officially opened on Baker Street Extension near Jamestown... as the ribbon was cut late this morning on the first-ever "Pumpkintown" on the former Cedarquist Farm property on the southside of Baker Street Extention in the town of Busti.  Pumpkintown is the brain-child of Eric Anderson, Marshall Miner, and Jason Jember... and, takes an "educational approach" to agriculture to teach how vegetables are grown, and cider is made.  Refreshments and food are available.  Anderson says they'll be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October.  General admission is $10.... children under 2 are free.  He says seniors 65 and over are half-price... and, all veterans are free.


Two city men arrested for burglary, drugs and weapon possession in Allegany County...
Two men from Jamestown are jailed in Allegany County, New Yrok for burglary, and drug and weapons possession in town of Scio.  State Police were called to a location on Pine Street just before Midnight this past Wednesday on a report of suspicious activity.  Troopers arrived, and found a back door open, but, they found no one inside the home -- which was for sale.  Police called in their K-9 unit... and later found both 49 year-old Kenneth... and, 28 year-old Terry Kendall.  The older Kendall was found laying in a nearby woods with a stun gun, and a quantity of methamphetime in his possession.  The younger Kendall was found walking not far from the scene.  Both were arraigned on a charge of second-degree burglary... while Kenneth Kendall is also charged with criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Both were jailed pending further court action.


Rosas proposes 2019 Dunkirk budget...
Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas has unveiled a tentative 2019 city budget that totals nearly $23.68-million dollars.  That's about a $1.1-million increase in spending.  But, Rosas says the budget achieves some important goals.  Among them... he says is keeping it balanced and holding the line on property taxes.  He says their fund balance remains in compliance with the state's Generally Accepted Accounting Principles... and, they will not be raising taxes.  One of the biggest challenges, the loss of revenues from the mothballed NRG plant.  Rosas says the city is looking to utilize more shared services and is searching for more grant funding. 


Developers interested in burned out location at 29-37 W Main St. in Falconer...
There is already interest among some developers in locating in one of two burned-out commercial building sites in Falconer.  Village Mayor Jim Rensel says final clean-up at 29 to 37 West Main Street... which was hit by an arsonist last year... is nearly complete.  Rensel was happy that a number of local communities agreed to transfer their landfill credits to help the village take debris to the county landfill in Ellery.  As the clean-up was underway... Rensel said there was already interest.  He adds that village officials have begun meeting to put together a re-development plan for the West Main Street site... and, are seeking resident imput on what should be there. 

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 12, 2018

Today is the last day to register to vote for the 2018 general election, and you can do it by mail or in person...  

Chautauqua County Election's Commissioner Norm Green says there are many locations around Chautauqua County where forms are available, including their website at VoteChautauqua.com, or by visiting any city or town hall.  For more information, call 753-4226.


Chautauqua County's top-law enforcement official says an animal abuse case that involved the arrest of a Sherman man "very disturbing"...  

Sheriff Joe Gerace says his officers arrested 50-year-old David Hanold, Sr. after an adult dog and three puppies were discovered in a locked vehicle in Mayville last Thursday.  Hanold has been charged with overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, failure to provide proper sustanance and confinement of a companion animal in a vehicle.  Gerace says other charges are possible.

Earlier this year, the County Legislature passed a local law establishing an Animal Abuser Registry.  Gerace, who worked with County Executive George Borrello, to get the law passed, says the registry is ready to go.  However, he says it depends on convictions AFTER the law went into effect, and the courts notifying his department.  Gerace says it's possible the case involving Hanold could be among the first to appear on registry, but that depends on whether there is a conviction. 

 
The Calameri family, owners of Artone Manufacturing of Jamestown, was honored with the County Chamber of Commerce 'Person of the Year' Award Thursday night.....  


Sebastian Calameri says his father Roario started it all.  Artone makes commercial furniture and employs around 100 people. The Jamestown Community Chamber presented its service award to Bill Stevenson.  He heads the Riverwalk Management Council and is on the National Comedy Center Board of Directors.  The Mayville-Chautauqua Chamber honored Sandra Lee Wagner.  She helped establish the Lakeside Bark Dog Run near the lake in Mayville.  The Westfield-Barcelona Chamber recognized a brother and sister, Rick Mascaro and his sister Joan Mascaro Caruso.  They are responsible for Lake Shore Center for the Arts. The annual awards dinner was attended by over 300 people at SUNY Fredonia.   


A New York judge has set a February 2020 trial date for a western New York Congressman indicted on federal insider trading charges....  

U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick set the Februray 3rd date on Thursday for Buffalo-area Republican Chris Collins.  The 68-year-old Collins was not in court.  He remains on the ballot for re-election to the 27th District, a right-leaning area between Buffalo and Rochester.  Collins has pleaded not guilty.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hartman had first pushed to have the trial set for next year.  He said prosecutors fear that Collins will try to delay any 2020 trial, saying it's an election year.  President Donald Trump has said the arrest of Collins and another congressman has jeopardized the GOP's chances in the midterm election next month.


There needs to be a "real conversation" about health care in the United States, and yes "single-payer" needs to be looked at -- honestly...  

Those are the feelings of Democratic Congressional candidate Tracy Mitrano of Penn Yan, who says her opponent-- incumbant Republican Tom Reed -- and President Donald Trump, don't want to look at all options.  Mitrano says, when she's out on the campaign trail, it's the single biggest issue people want to talk about.

Some have called the idea "Medicare for All."  However, Mitrano doesn't want to say it would be exactly like Medicare, where the government pays 80-percent of the cost and, participants pay the rest.  At the same time, she says the collective effort of government would be able to negotiate lower costs for all aspects of health care, from drugs to services.  Mitrano admits no program is perfect, but she believes it can make "an enormous difference."  She made her comments for this weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the five Media One Group stations.


A woman whose daughter survived a limousine accident that killed four women on Long Island in 2015 says Saturday's deadly crash in rural upstate New York is a reminder that strict legislation is still needed for stretch vehicles....  

After the 2015 crash, a special grand jury implored Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo to examine the safety of stretch limousines.  It appears a task force was never formed, and it's unclear what Cuomo's administration did in response.  Nancy DiMonte of Elwood, whose daughter survived the 2015 crash, said in a letter published Thursday in Newsday that she's launching a campaign urging Cuomo and legislators to change laws.  Cuomo said Monday that sometimes people don't follow existing laws.  Authorities say the limo in Saturday's crash had been deemed "unserviceable" after an inspection.  Twenty people were killed in the crash.


The interim head of the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation says he's looking forward to settling in and, helping the business group continue forward momentum into the new year...  

JRC Board member Peter Miraglia took over the reins Wednesday following the resignation of Lisa Hatch.  Hatch will be moving to Florida, but will assist Miraglia in the transition for the next couple of weeks.

Miraglia says he's getting caught up on financials, and getting more familiar with staff, which is currently busy getting ready for the annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration in early December.  Miraglia, who has served on the JRC board for the past three-years, says he's already familiar with the operation.  He owns the former Nelson's Department store building on East 2nd St., which is now the home to several businesses.

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 11, 2018

Our Summer-like temperatures are on the way out today and, once a cold front moves through,we'll struggle to reach 50 over the coming weekend...  

That from Forecaster Shawn Smith with the National Weather Service in Buffalo, who says day-time highs will be about 30-degrees cooler on Friday.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on Hurricane Michael, which made lanfall as a Cat-4 storm.  Smith doesn't expect Michael to have much effect on Western New York's weather because it will remain far to the south and east and, says the storm will move quickly into the Carolinas before heading out across the North Atlantic.  Tuesday marked a record high for Western New York, reaching 83-degrees at the Buffalo Airport.  That broke a record that stood for over 100 years!


President Donald Trump took a short break from politics at a rally in Pennsylvania to offer his thoughts and prayers for those in the path of Hurricane Michael...  

Trump promised to spare no effort in the federal response to damaged areas.  Returning to the upcoming midterm elections, the president told supporters Wednesday night in Erie, Pennsylvania, that Democrats want to impose socialism and take over and destroy the nation's health care.  He also accused Democrats of wanting to abolish America's borders and allow drugs and gangs to pour in.  Trump told reporters before the rally that he considered canceling the event because of the hurricane but decided he didn't want to disappoint those waiting for him.  In 2012, Trump criticized President Barack Obama for campaigning shortly after Superstorm Sandy.


An Ashville man has been arrested for identity theft after he allegedly stole multiple credit cards from a person in the town of North Harmony and, purchased several items with them...  

Sheriff's officers say 32 year-old Curtis Hewes took the cards sometime around September 3 and, bought the items in the town of Busti.  Deputies say a warrant was issued for Hewes' arrest, and he was taken into custody on four counts each of Felony criminal possession of stolen property, third-degree identit theft and petty larceny.  He was arraigned in Jamestown City Court, and sent to the County Jail on $15,000 cash bail.


A Panama man escaped serious injury early yesterday afternoon when his car left the road on Route 60 and, struck another vehicle... 

Sheriff's officers were called to the scene in the town of Gerry about 2 p.m. for a rollover accident.  Deputies say they deterined that 28 year-old Nicholas Troup was northbound when his car drifted off the road and, struck a parked and unoccupied vehicle hauling a trailer.  Troup was treated for what appeared to be minor injuries at the scene.  He was ticketed for moving from lane unsafely.


Incumbant Southern Tier Congressman Tom Reed is blasting his Democratic challenger for her support of what he calls "socialistic, Single-Payer" health care...  

The Corning Republican says Tracy Mitrano's support of what's also called "Medicare for All" will jeopardize Medicare itself and, drive bigger national deficits.  Reed says the total cost of a single-payer system would total $32-trillion over a 10-year period.

Reed says if a "Medicare for All" program was put in place, it would overwhelm the current Medicare system for seniors who are on fixed incomes.  He says it will further stress a system that is enduring doctor shortages already.  Reed maintains that increasing competition will bring down prices, especially for prescription medications.  He feels there also need to be more incentives to keep costs down.  Reed says he has also worked as co-chairman of the bi-partisan "Problem Solvers Caucus" to develop a fix to stabilize the individual marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act.  He says "we need more patient-centered solutions to our ever growing health care challenges." 


The West Nile Virus has resurfaced after a prolonged absense in Chautauqua County...  

That  Bill Boria with the county's Department of Health and Human Services.  Boria says there were two instances where West Nile Virus has been confirmed by the State Department of Health, one in the Frewsburg-area in mid-September at the Audubon Nature Center.  He says the other was a horse in the town of Portland that got West Nile, and had to be put down.  Boria says warm than usual weather was the likely culprit.

Mammals, including horses and people, get the viral disease from infected mosquitos.  Boria says there are things you can do to protect yourself, including using mosquito repellent with DEET in it and, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect yourself.  He adds also elminate standing water from where you live.  The good news is the active mosquito biting season is nearing an end.  Mosquito activity diminishes with cooler weather.  And most adult mosquitos die with the first hard frost.

 
A city man is jailed pending arraignment following a warrant check at a Barrows Street residence in Jamestown Tuesday afternoon... 

On arrival, city police say they saw 43 year-old James Houser allegedly crawling out of a rear window of the residence.  Houser was taken to Jamestown city jail on the warrants.  However, officers say he was additionally charged with first-degree criminal contempt and aggravated family offense after police learned there was a valid order of protection for Houser to stay away from the home and the woman living there due to recent domestic violence-related convictions. 


A former Democratic Party chairman from upstate New York admits arranging for a Canadian citizen to make an illegal $25,000 donation to a New York official's re-election campaign...  

G. Steven Pigeon of Buffalo pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge Tuesday.  It was the second guilty plea in two weeks from the former Erie County party chairman.  He pleaded guilty in county court September 28 to bribing a judge.  In Tuesday's case, prosecutors say Pigeon admits that while working as a political consultant, he solicited the donation from a Canadian business executive, knowing that foreign donations to state campaigns are illegal. 


A state transportation official says the owner of the limousine that crashed and killed 20 people in upstate New York was warned not to operate the vehicle after it failed an inspection...  

Department of Transportation spokesman Joseph Morrissey says Tuesday that the 2001 Ford Excursion that crashed Saturday was placed out of service after a September inspection and was subject to additional inspections.  Lee Kindlon, attorney for Prestige Limousine, says code violations cited in a September 4 inspection had been corrected and the limousine cleared for service. 

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 10, 2018

There is no tax increase in Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi's budget proposal for next year, which totals just under $36-million...

Teresi spent nearly an hour laying out particulars of the 2019 spending plan during Tuesday afternoon's presentation at City Hall.  He says the budget is balanced, thanks in part to another commitment by the state for an additional one-million dollars in aid.  Teresi says there are three reasons the city receives the aid, the biggest likely being that most municpalities got two-percent cuts in state aid when the state was running deficits in 2009-2010.

The Board of Public Utilities Electric Division budget is included in the formula for Jamestown, thus reducing it's Aid and Incentives to Municipalites -- or AIM payments.  Teresi says the proposed tax levy, or the amount of money to be raised by taxes, would remain the same in 2019 at $16,011,000.  However, the tax rate would decrease by 13-cents per thousand full value.  Teresi adds the budget also comes in $470,000 under the state's two-percent property tax cap.


A Forestville woman has been arrested for allegedly operating an illegal methamphetime lab in the village following a raid late last week...  

Agents with the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force say they arrested 28 year-old Tinesha Kenny on an arrest warrant issued out of Hanover Town Court.  Task Force members accuse Kenny of manufacturing meth while living at the Pearl Street home, and then had unlawfully disposed of the toxic byproducts and laboratory materials that resulted.  She is charged with one count each of third-degree unlawful manufacture of Methamphetamine and, unlawful disposal of Methamphetamine Laboratory Materials.  Kenny was arraigned in Hanover Town Court, then released to the Erie County Sheriff's Office so that she could be taken to Erie County to be arraigned on additional warrants there.  The task force urges residents who see or hear about illegal drug activity to contact them at 1-800-344-8702.


Republican U-S Senate candidate Chele Farley knows the odds aren't in her favor, but believes she can make a race of it against a well-known incumbant....

Farley's effort to upset Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand came to Chautauqua County for the first time yesterday and was on the offensive against Gillibrand.  The New York City businesswoman says -- first of all -- New York needs a Senator who will push for the state to get it's fair share of federal aid.

In 2017, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli noted that New York gets back 84-cents on the dollar from the federal government, but noted it was many policy matters that led to that short-changing.  Farley says New York's federal tax issues could be exacerbated by the new cap on the State and Local Tax Deduction, otherwise known as SALT.  However, she says Gillibrand should have done more than just call it a bad bill.  She says the Democrat should have tried to negotiate something better.  Farley and Gillibrand have both agreed to a one-on-one debate on October 21 that'll be televised on Spectrum Cable and New York-One from Skidmore College.


There will be a new head of the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation - starting today - after the resignation of Executive Director Lisa Hatch....  

JRC Spokesman Zach Agatt says Peter Miraglia will be the interim Director.  Agatt says Miraglia has been an active member of the JRC board of directors for the past three years.  He also serves on the Mayor's ad-hoc downtown parking study committee.  Back in 2001, he purchased and began renovations to the former Nelson's Department store building located on East 2nd Street in Jamestown.  Miraglia was born and raised in Jamestown and, has worked more than 30 years in project management and supervisory capacities.  In 2012, he and his wife, Melissa, moved back to the area.


A state transportation official says the owner of the limousine that crashed and killed 20 people in upstate New York was warned not to operate the vehicle after it failed an inspection...  

Department of Transportation Spokesman Joseph Morrissey said Tuesday that the 2001 Ford Excursion that crashed Saturday was placed out of service after a September inspection and was subject to additional inspections.  Lee Kindlon, attorney for Prestige Limousine, says code violations cited in a September 4th inspection had been corrected and the limousine cleared for service.  Morrissey says that's "categorically false."  The limousine ran a stop sign and crashed on a rural road 25 miles west of Albany on Saturday, killing the driver, all 17 passengers and two pedestrians.  State police and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating what caused the crash.


The attorney representing a man accused of killing his wife and tossing her body into Lake Erie is arguing that she killed herself because she was upset that her husband had been having an affair....  

The Erie Times-News reports that defense attorney Bruce Sandmeyer argued Tuesday that 49-year-old Christopher Leclair was "overwhelmed" and "simply did not want people to know" that his wife had taken her own life.  Sandmeyer conceded that Leclair was cheating on 51-year-old Karen Leclair in the months before she died in the summer of 2017, and he also acknowledged that his client bound her body with rope and dropped it into the lake from their commercial fishing boat.  But, he says a forensic pathologist will testify that the gunshot wound is consistent with a self-inflicted wound.

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 9, 2018

A city man is jailed following his arrest on drug and weapons charges during a raid on his south-side home Monday afternoon...  

City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, and state Police C-NET Team executed a search warrant at 745 Foote Avenue about 12:30 p.m. with the help of the JPD SWAT Team.  Once inside, Samuelson says police found a quantity of crystal methamphetamine and, a 30-06 rifle, and semi-automatic 9-millimeter High-Point rifle.  Police arrested 37 year-old Willie Graham for two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and, one of criminal possession of a controlled substance.  He was held pending arraignment.  If you have an information on suspected drug activity in the city, call the tips-line at 483-TIPS (8477).  You can also use the Tips 4-1-1 app.


The crisis facing local dairy farmers in Chautauqua County were laid-out in full view Monday afternoon during a visit by the Republican candidate for U-S Senate...  

New York City's Chele Farley joined State Senator Cathy Young at the Mid-Knight Dairy Farm on the Fluvanna-Townline Road in the town of Ellicott.  Farley blasted incumbant Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand as someone who has only had one bill passed during her 12 total years in Washington, D-C.

Farley expects Gillibrand to vote against the new, U-S, Mexico and Canada trade agreement reached by the Trump Administration and, she let the current Farm Bill expire.  Senator Young says dairy farming is difficult even in the best of times, but right now, it's the worst it's been in years.  In 2014, she says the price per hundred-weight climbed to $28.00 but, has now fallen to $16.00 per hundred-weight.  Mid-Knight Farm co-owner John McKnight got emotional as he talked about how difficult is has been meeting current expenses.


No one was reportedly hurt when a 2x4 piece of the exterior wall of the Hotel Jamestown Building on West Third Street in the city crashed to the sidewalk Monday afternoon...  

An eyewitness to the incident tells us the piece of the building fell near the corner with Cherry Street -- in front of the Hotel Mini Mart -- shortly before 3 PM.  However, it appeared no one was hit by the debris.  Police and others were on the scene by that time and, have closed off the sidewalk area where the brick debris came down.  We do have calls out for more information on the situation, but have not yet heard back.  


As the annual Four-H Week gets underway, the local branch of the organization is celebrating the beginning of a new program, and the addition of a new staff member...  


Kate Ewer, the Four-H Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Chautauqua County says the new offering will focus on STEM, thanks to a grant, provided by the Ralph Wilson Foundation, will run for three years.  Every eight weeks a new group of eight students will engage in a specific project, with some relationship to agriculture.  The new job will be open for application in the near future.  Kate Ewer believes the program will start in early 2019.  More information is available by contacting Cornell Cooperative Extension at the Ag Center near Jamestown.    


With the U-S population aging as the Baby Boomer generation begins to retire has come renewed concerns about elder abuse across the nation....  

Here in Chautauqua County, the head of the Elder Abuse and Enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Team says the number of cases they see here and in Erie County, continue to rise.  Kayleigh Feser was the keynote speaker during last Friday's 21st annual Walk Against Domestic Violence.

Feser says the segment of the population 65 or older is expected to double by the year 2050 to 83.7-million people.  She says there are a number of ways abuse happens, including physical, emotional and financial.  She adds that supporting caregivers is very important because the stress they feel in dealing with a loved one can often be difficult.  Feser says the effects of elder abuse on an older person can have devastating consequences.  An elderly person who suffering some kind of abuse is three-times more likely to die within 5-years of that abuse than those who have not.


It took about an hour for Dunkirk firefighters to get a boat fire contained and under control at the Dunkirk Pier yesterday morning...  

Dunkirk Fire Chief Mike Edwards says crews were called to the scene about 9:30 a.m. and found a 41-foot fishing boat on fire as the owner was preparing for a fishing excursion on Lake Erie.  Edwards says they made sure the boat didn't have a chance to drift on them.

Edwards says the owner was putting gear in the front of the boat when he looked up and, saw flames shooting from the back part of the vessel.  No injuries were reported.  Edwards says crews had to string a large hose line along the dock to reach the fire and, he says that prevented them from getting water on the blaze quicker than they wanted.  The fire not only damaged the boat, but also a portion of the dock.  Fire investigators will be brought in to determine a cause. 


More than 1,000 people jammed into a riverside park to honor the victims of a limo crash that killed 20 people in upstate New York...  

Some relatives of the dead shed tears as local officials expressed solidarity with them at Monday's vigil in Amsterdam, just west of Albany.  Some victims lived in the small city.  Congressman Paul Tonko told the families, in his words, "We are crushed with you, we are crushed for you."  He's a Democrat from Amsterdam.  The ceremony ended with participants lifting candles above their heads to signal unity and perseverance.  The 19-seater limo ran a stop sign and hit a parked SUV on Saturday in Schoharie.  Two pedestrians and all 18 people in the limo died.  The passengers were headed to a 30th birthday party.

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 8, 2018

Chautauqua County lawmakers have been able to find more than $400,000 in further reductions to County Executive George Borrello's proposed 2019 budget plan...  

The legislature's Audit and Control Committee met with department heads last week to review the more than $254-million spending plan.  Committee Chairman Pierre Chagnon says they made a "laundry list" of changes to the budget.

Chagnon says there was no specific big item that was cut, but does say a couple of them were "contentious," and will be looked at further when legislature committees meet next week.  He says there was a lot of good discussion among committee members about the budget and, department staff members.  Chagnon says he's "very proud and pleased" of the work they did.  Chagnon says the committee's final action will likely be taken at the committee meeting on Thursday, October 18.  He says the moves last week tentatively cut another 6-cents per thousand full value off the tax rate to about $8.38. The budget hearing and full legislature meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 24.

Two Chautauqua County men face drug-related charges after their vehicle was stopped for a traffic infraction in the town of Stockton...  

Sheriff's officers say they recently stopped a car, driven by 40 year-old Jason Raymond of Dunkirk, on Route 60 for no "distinctive" plate.  Deputies say they allegedly found Raymond and his passenger, 41 year-old Ronald Caruso of Frewsburg, in possession of two kinds of controlled substances, and a quantity of marihuana.  Officers say Raymond was issued appearance tickets for third-degree criminal possession of marihuana, two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and, no "distinct plate."  Caruso was also given appearance tickets for Unlawful Possession of marijuana and seventh-degree criminal possession of a Controlled Substance.  Both will appear in Stockton Town Court at a later date.


The aunt of one of the victims in a limousine crash that killed 20 people in upstate New York says the vehicle was on its way to a birthday celebration...  

Valerie Abeling says newlyweds Erin Vertucci and Shane McGowan were among those killed.  She says Vertucci was 34 and McGowan was 30.  Abeling says her daughter had been invited along but was unable to go.  She says the family has not learned much about the circumstances of the crash.  She says "our lives have been changed forever."  Officials say Saturday's crash in Schoharie was the deadliest transportation accident in the U.S. since a 2009 plane crash in Buffalo, New York, killed 50 people.


The city of Jamestown has sent a letter to the owner of a new auto parts store on the city's northside whose operations have raised concerns in the neighborhood...  

An 11th Street resident-- Jeanette Jones-- recent spoke to city council members during their voting session at Chadakoin Park about the new NAPA Store, which she says has had semi-trucks parked along 11th Street, and idling after Midnight.  Jones the noise has been an issue.

Jeanette Jones noted that some of the landscaping that the NAPA store developer had promised was not in place.  During this past week's City Council work session, Public Safety Committee Chairwoman Maria Jones noted that a letter had been sent to the store's operators, about the hours trucks can be idling, and semis cannot be parked on 11th Street.  Jones adds that the Police Department is aware of the parking issues on 11th Street, and they will monitor that situation. 


New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has accepted the ballot line of the liberal Working Families Party in next month's general election...  

Cuomo said late Friday, through a spokeswoman, that he would accept the ballot line of the party that earlier backed his Democratic primary opponent, actress Cynthia Nixon.  Working Families Party leaders said Wednesday they would offer the party's ballot line to Cuomo, a two-term incumbent.  Cuomo's acceptance means his name will appear on the November ballot under the Democratic, Independence and Working Families lines.  Nixon ended her campaign after losing the Democratic primary to Cuomo.  But, she could have taken votes away from Cuomo if she had stayed on the ballot as the Working Families Party nominee.  Cuomo holds a commanding lead over Republican Marc Molinaro in recent polls.


Around 200 people took part in the 3rd annual Buddy Walk Saturday, starting and ending at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club.  Karen Silzle, of the Resource Center, is one of the organizers of the walk.  She says it's held to raise awareness about Down Syndrome....

At the walk, members of the community are encouraged to walk with a ‘buddy’ who has Down syndrome, a chromosomal disorder.  Tim Adam is another of the walk’s organizers… and the parent of a child with Down syndrome.  He believes getting to know someone with Down syndrome can open a person's eyes and, make them realize that they can do just about anything they want to do.  Despite inclement weather in the hours before the event, the rain let up enough for the walk to be completed successfully.  


An upstate New York police chief is accused of diverting discarded prescription drugs for his own use...  

Kenmore chief Peter Breitnauer was charged late last week with possession of hydrocodone.  He could face up to a year in prison if he's convicted.  Federal prosecutors say Breitnauer admitted taking more than 100 pills from a medication drop box at the police station because he's addicted to prescription painkillers.  The 68-year-old Breitnauer has been on the Kenmore force since 1984, serving as chief since 2012.  The community of about 15,000 people is just north of Buffalo.  Breitnauer was released after appearing in federal court in Buffalo.  His lawyer says he remains employed and is weighing treatment.  His lawyer says Breitnauer's arrest is "strictly a personal matter" and that his actions have no bearing on his professional conduct.


BPU--Columbus Day Schedule....

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities will be open during normal operating hours today, even though it's Columbus Day -- a federal holiday.  BPU Communications Coordinator Becky Robbins says hours today are from 9 AM to 4 PM.  In addition, Robbins says garbage and recycling collection for this week will take place on regular schedule and water main flushing will follow announced schedules.

News Headlines for Sat., Oct. 6, 2018

Birritierri resigns as Mayor of Lakewood...
The embattled mayor of Lakewood has resigned amid controversy over several recent absences, and other matters.  The village clerk's office sent out a brief statement late yesterday morning that Cara Birritierri had decided to resign... effective the end of business Friday.  In a letter to the village... Birritierri based her decision "solely on personal and medical reasons."  She also praised staff, other elected officials. and "countless volunteers" who dedicated themselves to the village.  The clerk's office says -- for now -- Deputy Mayor Ted McCague will fill-in in the interim.  Chautauqua County Board of Elections Commissioner Brian Abram says... since the Sept. 20 deadline for an election has passed... there can be no election this year.  However, a new mayor could be appointed by the current board.


Borrello says county has found potential, new location for CARTS Hub in Jamestown -- but, no final decision has been announced...
The Chautauqua Area Rural Transporation System has identified a new location for it's Jamestown hub... but, nothing has been finalized as yet.  That from County Executive George Borrello... who says CARTS is still in discussions about a new location to replace the one on West Second Street -- in front of the National Comedy Center.  Borrello says consistancy is important for such a location, and, with plans for closing the street at times for Comedy Center events, they won't have that.  He says many who used CARTS are elderly, or have other mobility issues, and making hub changes is disruptive.  The City Council recently voted to allow CARTS to use it's temporary hub location on Pine Street -- near the South County Office Building -- through Oct. 19.  Borrello says... while they're looking for a new permanent hub site... he says they still hope to have a stop near the Comedy Center.  He adds they're also looking at expanding service to take advantage of the area's several tourist attractions... including the Jackson Center, and many others.


Jamestown man arrested for Child Endangerment...
A city man is jailed pending arraignment for endangering the welfare of a child Thursday night. Jamestown Officers and New York State Police were working a joint patrolling detail when officers reportedly saw an unaccompanied one-year-old child walking down the sidewalk on Newland Avenue.  After investigating... officers found 44 year-old Juan DeJesus was supposed to be watching the child, when the toddler walked out of the residence... and, was wondering the street. DeJesus is due back in Jamestown City Court at a later date. 


City man arrested for assault...
A Jamestown man was arrested on assault charges for allegedly cutting a victim's hair with a knife during a domestic incident Thursday night.  City police responded to the physical dispute in the area of East Second Street -- near Jeffords -- for a male chasing a female down the road.  On arrival... officers determined 49 year-old Michael Pachecho held the woman down on the ground and struck her in the face with a boot, causing injury... and, also broke her umbrella.  Pachecho was taken into custody where he additionally found to be in possession of methamphetamine.  He's being held in city jail pending arraignment. 


Gerace says watch out for deer on county roads this time of year...
It's the time of the year when drivers should to pay extra attention for deer while traveling on area roads and highways.  Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace says car-deer related crashes spike during the months of October, November and December.  Gerace says that's because deer are more active during the Fall... especially around dusk and dawn.  If you approach a deer in the middle of the road... Gerace says don't swerve because you may end up in the other lane -- and into the path of an oncoming vehicle.  He adds don't rely on car-mounted deer whistles.  And keep in mind that deer generally travel in herds...so if you see one, usually there are other nearby.


Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence held in Jamestown Friday...
With the back-drop of the past year's "MeToo" movement... Domestic Violence Awareness Month kicked-off Friday afternoon in downtown Jamestown with a proclamation by Mayor Sam Teresi.  Teresi issued the proclamation following the 21st annual Walk Against Domestic Violence to help start the annual Unity Day Event in the lobby of City Hall.  The keynote speaker was Kayleigh Feser... who heads up Chautauqua County's Elder Abuse and Enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Team.  Faser says... while there have been a number of high-profile domestic and sexual abuse cases the past year... it's just the tip of the iceberg.  On average... Faser says one out of every two women... and, 1 in 5 men will be the victim of physical and or sexual violence.  Most is what she called "Intimate Partner" violence... and, that could be a sibling, father, mother, or a friend.  Faser adds that women wind up being 90 to 95-percent of the victims in such cases. 

     

News Bulletin for Fri., Oct. 5, 2018

(**Bulletin)Birritierri Resigns as Lakewood mayor...T

he embattled mayor of Lakewood has resigned amid controversy over several recent absences, and other matters.  The village clerk's office sent out a brief statement late this morning that Birritierri had decided to resign... effective today.  In a letter to the village... Birritierri cited "personal and medical reasons" for her decision.  The clerk's office says -- for now -- Deputy Mayor Ted McCague will fill-in in the interim.  Birritierri was elected in November of 2015, and became mayor in January of 2016.  Her term runs through the end of 2019.

 

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 5, 2018


The Sherman man accused of hunting after dark when he accidently shot and killed a neighbor while she was talking her dogs last November has pleaded guilty in the case...  

Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson says 33 year-old Thomas Jadlowski pled guilty in county court to one count each of criminally negligent homicide, and hunting after hours in connection with the death of 43 year-old Rosemary Billquist.  Swanson says this ends a "very difficult" chapter in the lives of two families.

Jamie is Rosemary Billquist's husband, who Swanson says has been involved in the case from day one.  He says Jamie Billquist agreed to changing an original charge of second-degree manslaughter to criminally negligent homicide.  Swanson says the latter charge is an E-Felony that included what the Billquist family was looking for.  Jadlowski told investigators that he mistook Mrs. Billquist for a deer, and fired one round, and it struck her in the hip.  She later died at UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.  Jadlowski will be sentenced next January 14.


The late Rosemary Billquist's husband says this has "never been about vengeance..." and, voiced his support for the plea agreement reached today in her death...  

At the same time, Jamie Billquist did push for prison time because he felt a message needed to be sent to hunters that they have "expansive responsibilities" when they hunt.  Patrick Swanson adds that Billquist also wants hunters to think twice about hunting after dark.  Swanson says -- from the beginning -- Jamie Billquist wanted the defendant to take responsibility and be held accountable. 


A man from the city of Olean was arrested following a drug raid at his apartment on Tuesday evening...  

Agents with the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force say they executed a search warrant at 633 Garden Avenue about 9:30 p.m. and, discovered more than a half-an-ounce of crack-coaine -- having a street value of nearly $2,900; four-grams of marijuana; along with scales and packaging materials.  Officers arrested 42 year-old Shariff James at the scene.  He was arraigned on charges of Felony third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, and misdemeanor criminal use of drug paraphernalia. Task Force members were assisted by Olean Police, Sheriff's deputies, State Police and, the Sheriff's K-9 Unit. 


The Democratic candidate for the 23rd Congressional District says she would vote in favor of the new U-S, Mexico and Canada trade agreement...  

However, Penn Yan's Tracy Mitrano says it's not the big "paradigm shift that President Donald Trump proclaims it to be.  Mitrano says the USMCA is a good first step.  The USMCA stipulates that 75-percent of a car must be produced by the three member nations for it to pass through the countries duty-free.  In addition, it states 40-percent of each car must be produced by workers making $16/hr or more to avoid duties.  Mitrano says the deal helps expand markets for agricultural products in Canada.  However, she says it favors big and corporate farms over smaller, family farms.  President Trump tweeted out his thanks late Wedneday for Incumbant Republican Tom Reed's support of the trade deal.


Local Congressman Tom Reed made a stop in the city of Dunkirk yesterday, where he toured the P-Tech Academy...  

The Corning Republican says manufacturing is in demand for skilled workers, and he believes the program can play a major role in developing a skilled workforce.  He says there are two main reasons for his visit-- re-affirming support for P-Tech Programming and to "be a loud voice for this great opportunity."

County Executive George Borrello and Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES Superintendent David O'Rourke were among those who joined Reed for the tour.  O'Rourke says this is the fourth year the program.  He says students enter the program in the eighth grade and wind up with a college degree.  O'Rourke says the program is in it's fourth-year now.  Reed and Borrello spoke with the students and staff during Thursday's tour.  The Dunkirk campus, which opened in March, is one of 32 across the state.

 

Pennsylvania state lawmakers have passed the first anti-violence legislation in years that deals directly with firearms...  

A measure to force people in the gun-friendly state with a domestic violence ruling against them to more quickly surrender their guns cleared its last hurdle Wednesday before it can get Democratic Governor Tom Wolf's signature.  The Republican-controlled Senate passed the bill 43-5, and Wolf plans to sign it.  Domestic violence- and gun violence-prevention groups support the bill and have worked for its passage for years.  It picked up speed in March after the Florida high school shooting that killed 17 people, and the National Rifle Association negotiated changes that dropped its opposition.  Under the bill, people convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence or subject to final restraining orders must surrender their guns within 24 hours.


President Donald Trump is making another visit to Pennsylvania, this time To Erie where one of his staunch supporters in Congress is facing his toughest re-election battle yet...  

Trump's campaign said late Wednesday that the president will hold a rally at Erie Insurance Arena on October 10.  Four-term Congressmen Mike Kelly and Lou Barletta are expected to attend, and Trump will headline a fundraiser for the men while there.  Kelly is facing a challenge from Democrat Ron DiNicola while Barletta is mounting an uphill campaign to unseat two-term Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey.  Trump was in Philadelphia earlier this week, at the Flight 93 memorial in southwestern Pennsylvania on September 11, and in Wilkes-Barre in early August for a rally with Barletta.


New York officials are enacting a quarantine on movement into the state of landscaping debris and other items from four states impacted by a new invasive insect called the spotted lanternfly....  

The quarantine restricts movement of certain goods into New York from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Virginia.  Items affected include yard waste, firewood, wooden crates, nursery stock, fruit and produce.  Also included are outdoor articles such as lawn tractors, grills, tarps and vehicles stored outdoors.  People transporting any of the listed items will need documentation of the origin and destination of shipments.  The state Department of Agriculture will have compliance checks around the state.  People who visit the infested states are urged to inspect their vehicle for lanternfly egg masses and scrape them off before leaving.

News bulletin for Thurs., Oct. 4, 20189

(**Bulletin)Jadklowski pleads guilty in Billquist's death during hunting accident...

The Sherman man accused of hunting after hours when he accidently shot and killed a neighbor while she was talking her dogs last November has pled guilty in the case.  Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson says 33 year-old Thomas Jadlowski pled guilty in county court to one count each of criminally negligent homicide, and hunting after hours in connection with the death of 43 year-old Rosemary Billquist on Nov. 22 of 2017.  Jadlowski told investigators that he mistook Mrs. Billquist for a deer, and fired one round, and it struck her in the hip.  She later died at UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie, PA.  Jadlowski faces 1 to 3 years, and up to 1 1/3 to 4 years when he's sentenced next Jan. 14, 2019

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 4, 2018

Three people suffered only minor injuries when a car traveling the wrong-way on Interstate 86 in the town of Ellicott struck another car head-on.... 

State Police in Jamestown say the driver of the wrong-way car, 86 year-old Charles French of Ellicott, apparently got on I-86 eastbound shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday.  However, troopers say French was driving westbound when they were called.  Police say the driver of an eastbound car, 19 year-old Anna Griffith, of Salamanca, saw French's car coming, and tried to avoid the collision.  French, Griffith, and Griffith's 6-month old child, were all taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment.  Charges are pending.


Four projects in Chautauqua County are among the 16 identified so far by the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council be be priority projects...  


That from County Executive George Borrello, who serves on the council, and says the four projects locally include is pleased that four of the 16 projects are from Chautauqua County.  One of the four projects is from Jamestown and, that'll be for Chadakoin River re-development.  He adds that there are other projects -- aside from the 16 -- that are going through the Consolidated Funding Application process.

Borrello adds that there are two priority projects in the village of Fredonia, one being the Agri-America building which will be used for juice to be reprocessed.  He says the other Fredonia based project involves the White Inn and, trying to get that back up and running to augment the tourism industry.  Borrello adds the fourth priority project centers on the redevelopment of the former Welch Foods Building in Westfield and possibly converting that into a "mixed use" building.


More detailed plans are expected to be presented next week on a proposed $34-million housing project in downtown Jamestown...  

Officials with Southern Tier Environments for Living, and Community Helping Hands, are developing the project at the Gateway Center on Water Street,  which calls for creation of 70-housing units in the former three-story industrial plant.  Preliminary plans were discussed at last month's Planning Commission meeting, but Mayor Sam Teresi says nothing is finalized as yet.

Teresi says -- otherwise -- he's taking a "wait-and-see" approach to the project and, he wants them to have the time needed to full develop the proposal, which would include 39 affordable housing units among the 70 total in the building.  He says they expect more information at next Tuesday night's public hearing on the proposal.  Next Tuesday's public hearing by the city Planning Commission will be held in City Council Chambers beginning at 6:00.


The city of Lockport in western New York has won $10-million dollars as the latest winner of Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo's downtown revitalization contest....  


State officials announced the funding on Wednesday... adding the Niagara County city plans to invest the money in efforts to make its downtown more attractive to businesses, tourists and residents.  Pedestrian walkways, improved storefronts and more housing are all possibilities.  Now in its third year, Cuomo's downtown contest will award a total of $100-million to 10 winning communities across the state.  The city of Jamestown won a $10-million DRI in 2016.  Cuomo said Wednesday that Lockport is an "ideal" recipient of the funds because of its growing tourism industry and its location on the Erie Canal.  Other recent winners include Albany, New Rochelle, Saranac Lake, Watertown, Batavia, Rome and the South Bronx.


The new trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada will help local agri-businesses have a more level playing field with our neighbors to the north...  

That from local Congressman Tom Reed, who says the USMCA helps move Canada away from a "protectionist" policy, and towards freer trade.  Reed made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media and says once it's in place, farmers begin moving their goods.

In fact... Reed says that once the new agreement with Mexico was reached, the price for milk increased by $2.00 per hundred-weight.  He says -- for the first time -- several dairy markets will open up in Canada once the agreement's fully in place.  The Corning Republican adds the new agreement will also be a big boost to the local wine industry -- especially for Canadian tourists who come here, and want to take some wine home with them.  The Corning Republican says the minimum standards would go up -- as he understands it -- from $20.00 to $150.00. 


It's no longer considered "Tornado Season..." but, swirling winds and tornadic activity was reported in nearby Scandia, Pennsylvania in Warren County on Tuesday...  


Meteorologist John Banghoff with the National Weather Service in State College says a funnel-cloud was reported just before 4 p.m. during turbulent weather conditions.  However, Banghoff says a tornado didn't 'actually' touch down based on visual observation. 

Additionally, an EF-2 storm was reported in Crawford County, which damaged Rolling Fields Elder Care Community in Conneauville, blowing a roof off one building.  Banghoff says it started with a cold front and, winds moving from the southwest -- then west to east -- producing some verticle wind shear and creating "super cells."  He describes "super cells" as the big storms responsible for large tornados in the Great Plains, but we can get the same phenomena here. No injuries were reported in Tuesday's storms. 


A federal appeals court says former New York Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver can remain free a few more months while he appeals his bribery conviction...  

The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals made the decision Wednesday in the 74-year-old Democrat's favor just two days before he was to report to prison to begin serving a seven-year sentence.  Prosecutors said he collected nearly $4 million dollars in fees in exchange for taking actions as a legislator that benefited a cancer researcher and real estate developers.  Silver's lawyers insist that the money their client received was not the result of bribes.


Buffalo Bill's running back LeSean McCoy's ex-girlfriend says in a new court filing that he physically abused her during their nearly two-year relationship...  

Delicia Cordon on Tuesday filed an amended lawsuit against McCoy alleging physical abuse.  She also directly accuses him of arranging a July 10 home invasion at a home he owns just outside Atlanta that left her bloodied.  McCoy has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence and did so again when speaking to reporters after practice Wednesday.  A previous version of her lawsuit didn't mention physical abuse against her and didn't directly accuse him of playing a role in the home invasion.  The new version also expands on her previous allegations that McCoy abused his young son and dog.  The amended lawsuit seeks more than $50 million in damages.

WJTN Headlines for Oct. 3, 2018

The chance of severe storms and tornadic activity stayed to our south and, a twister did hit one community just to the west of Warren County, Pennsylvania...  


Authorities say a tornado struck the Rolling Fields Elder Care Community in Conneauville in Crawford County, blowing a roof off one building and causing moderate to heavy damage.  No serious injuries were reported.  Rolling Fields was purchased earlier this year by Heritage Ministries of Chautauqua County.  Forecaster Mike Griffin of the National Weather Service office in Cleveland said the EF-2 twister packing winds up to 115 mph struck the nursing home about 2:40 p.m. Tuesday.  Rolling Fields said in a statement that all residents were being evacuated, and there were no serious injuries, although "two residents have been hospitalized for unrelated concerns."  Griffin said there have also been reports of trees down on houses and blocking roads.


A Cattaraugus County man has pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography more than two-years ago and, faces at least five years in prison...  

U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Junior announced Tuesday afternoon that 62 year-old Kevin James Fox of Limestone entered his plea before U-S District Court Judge Lawrence Vilardo.  Assistant U-S Attorney Aaron Mango says Fox was accused of persuading a woman to find a minor male on two occasions, the first in May of 2016 and, engage in sexual activity with them, and take pictures.  The first time was with a 16 year-old boy, then about a month later, she had sex with a 17 year-old.  The woman then texted photos to Fox.  Kennedy says Fox faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and, a quarter of a million dollar fine.


The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office Warning Ticket Program seems to be catching on across the state and it has now received the attention of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee...  

The committee has awarded a grant to study the traffic safety impact of the program.  That from local Sheriff Joe Gerace, who launched the program in 2013, in an attempt to correct driving behavior involving minor traffic offenses without subjecting motorists to fines and other expenses.

Gerace says the demonstration grant will determine how effective the program has been and, that will involve looking at previous year's data, and they will do some selective enforcement to determine who are repeat offenders.  The warning ticket program was first of its kind for a Sheriff's Office in New York State when it was launched five years ago.  It also received the "Outstanding Traffic Safety Program Award" from the state Sheriff's Association.  

 
It's been 100 years since the 1918 influenza epidemic...  

Since then, major progress has been made in treating and preventing the flu. However, for the 2017-18 season, the Centers for Disease Control reported record-breaking levels of flu illness and hospitalization rates throughout the country, with 180 flu-related pediatric deaths reported alone.  What's the best way to protect you and your family? CDC Flu Division Epidemiologist Alicia Budd says, get your flu shot as soon as you can.

Budd says anyone six-months and older should get vaccinated this month because you're likely to be more protected during peak months of flu season. She says this is especially important for those with increased complications, including being 65 years of age, or very young -- age 5 or under -- you should get a vaccination.  Budd adds that women who are pregnant, or people with chronic conditions should get one, too.  Budd says there are several options to receive a flu shot this year including the nasal spray for anyone 2-to-49 years old and, a vaccine specifically for those 65-years and older.  For additional information on keeping healthy during flu season, visit their website at CDC.gov/flu


A major milestone has been reached in the reconstruction of the South Main Street Bridge in downtown Jamestown...  

The Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities recently announced that the span's concrete relieving slab was poured on September 21 and, after a two-week curing period, the granite curbing and sidewalk placement can begin.  The county's new DPF Director, Brad Bentley says they are making "excellent progress on this bridge replacement so it is safe for our travelling public."  In addition, Bentley says new waterline and electrical services are substantially completed across the arches.  At this point... there is still some work on walls, and the bridge approaches and paving.  Unless there are weather delays, Bentley says the project will completed and, the bridge reopened by late November of this year.


Democratic challenger Tracy Mitrano says she has raised nearly one-million dollars in the past three months in her effort to unseat incumbant Republican Congressman Tom Reed.... 

Mitrano made the announcement during a press conference call with Southern Tier Media outlining her five point economic development plan.  The Penn Yan resident says her campaign has brought in $900,000 and, is about  $70,000 of a million dollars.  With that, Mitrano says she's starting a TV ad today.

For the most part, Mitrano says she's received smaller contributions from people all across the district, as she had criss-crossed the 11-county district.  She says she was in Chautauqua County last week and, will be back here for another event this weekend.  That will include some campaign stops, first in Seneca County Wednesday, and a Campaign concert Saturday with the local group, 10-Thousand Maniacs.  Mitrano says she had a good turn-out for a recent town hall in Central New York and, adds there were about 200 people on hand for an informal gathering in Silver Creek.  The cyber-security expert noted the biggest contribution she received was $5,000 from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's Political Action Committee after the Senator endorsed her campaign.


A Jamestown man faces unlawful possession of marijuana charges following a traffic stop in the town of Gerry last Sunday...  

State police in Jamestown say they stopped a vehicle on Route 60 for a violation, and smelled marijuana coming from inside.  Troopers searched the car and the occupants and, found 33 year-old Rashid Jabbar in possession of a bag containing marijuana.  Jabbar is to appear in court next month to answer the charge. 

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 2, 2018

The investigation is continues into what caused a head-on collison in the town of Ripley Sunday night that killed a 22 year-old woman...  

Sheriff's Officers say the accident occurred just before 8 p.m. on Route 20 when a westbound vehicle operated by Madison Dunlap -- of Ripley -- and an east-bound vehicle operated by 58 year-old Kim Robbins -- of Dunkirk -- collided.  Sheriff Joe Gerace says investigators were at the scene until Midnight Monday.

Gerace says Robbins was transported by ambulance to Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk, then later sent to UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pennslvania.  Dunlap was pronounce dead at the scene.  Ripley Fire Rescue, Westfield Police also responded to assist.  Deputies say charges are pending the investigation.


A state law that takes 16-year-olds out of the adult criminal justice system is now in effect.  New York's 'Raise the Age' legislation got its official start on Monday....  


The law, passed last year, calls for most 16-year-olds charged with offenses to be tried in Family Court instead of automatically in adult criminal court.  More serious charges would go to a "Youth Part" of criminal court.  Next year, the law will extend to 17-year-olds.  The law also impacts juvenile detention.  On Monday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced all 16- and 17-year-olds had been moved off of Rikers Island, the city's jail, to dedicated juvenile facilities with access to social services.  New York was the next-to-last state in the U.S. to raise its age of criminal responsibility to 18.


Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi will present his 2019 budget proposal a week from today to city lawmakers and the public, but there's already been some discussion about how the plan will be presented...  

After Finance Committee Chairman Tony Dolce noted that budget hearings with Department heads would start the following week, on October 15, At-Large Councilman Andy Liuzzo questioned why the presentation was on Tuesday, October 9 instead of the 8th -- which is in the charter.  Fellow lawmakers noted that it's Columbus Day, which is a federal holiday.

A few lawmakers chimned in, saying that it's not practical to present the budget on what is a federal holiday.  Mayor Teresi says he would have to call staff in -- at time-and-a-half -- to be able to do that.  Teresi read a part of the New York State Consolidated Law, which states what local municipalities can do.  He says they can move any action that falls on a weekend, or a Monday holiday, to the next business day. 


The county legislature's Audit and Control Committee began it's review of Executive George Borrello's tentative, 2019 budget proposal Monday...  

Borrello says they were to take a hard look at his plan to close the Methane-to-Energy plant at the landfill, and sell the methane to a contract to convert to renewable natural gas.  During last week's budget presentation, Borrello noted that the move could bring just over one-million dollars into county coffers annually.

Borrello says the Methane to Energy plant would likely close by the end of the year, depending on how discussions progress.  He says he's pleased to have new Public Facilities Director, Brad Bentley, involved in the effort because of his strong background in the energy industry.  The Audit and Control Committee will be going through each department budget this week to discuss any further cuts, or restorations in the more than $254-million spending plan.  The legislature needs to act on the budget by December 1.  A vote is tentatively set for the panel's October meeting.


The proposed new trade deal between the United States, Canada and Mexico brings our trading standards "out of the dark ages and into the 21st Century".... 

That from local Congressman Tom Reed on the three-way agreement brokered just before a Midnight Monday deadline.  Reed says it will give "our dairy farmers and workers a fair shake at success."  Agriculture is still Chautauqua County's biggest industry, and County Executive George Borrello says it's great news.

Reed and fellow members of Congress, will have 60 days -- once final details are out of the way -- to approve the new agreement.  The Corning Republican says "we look forward to further reviewing this deal to verify our all of our local farmers, manufacturers and workers are treated fairly."  Reed says he's been an "unrelenting advocate" to level the scales of trade for the dairy industry going back to 2013.


Three homes in the city of Dunkirk were damaged by a major fire that occured last Sunday night on Lake Shore Drive East near Beagle Street...  

Fire Captain Gary Katta says crews were called to a reported structure fire at 187 Lake Shore Drive shortly after 11 p.m. and, says crews found an unoccupied residence at 191 Lake Shore Drive fully-engulfed in flames.  Katta says that house was destroyed by fire and, the other two had lesser damage.

Katta says seven people were left homeless by the fire and, the local Red Cross is assisting them.  Fire officials say there were no injuries.  Dunkirk crews received mutual aid from Fredonia and East Dunkirk fire departments.  The cause of the blaze is under investigation.


New York state is working to reduce maternal mortality and the racial disparities in the rate of maternal death...  

A new state task force created earlier this year met for the first time last week in Albany.  The group is made up of state officials and medical and public health experts.  It is tasked with studying the factors that lead to women dying in childbirth and recommending ways to address it.  In 2010, New York state had one of the worst maternal mortality rates in the nation.  While the state has made progress in reducing the rate, it's still in the bottom half of states.  Statistics show that black women are three times more likely to die in childbirth than white women in New York.

WJTN News Headlines for Oct. 1, 2018

The investigation continues into what caused a head-one collison in the Town of Ripley that killed a 22 year-old woman Sunday evening... 

Sheriff's Officers say the accident occurred just before 8 p.m. on Route 20 when a westbound vehicle operated by Madison Dunlap -- of Ripley -- and an east-bound vehicle operated by 58 year-old Kim Robbins -- of Dunkirk -- collided. Officers say Robbins was transported by ambulance to Brooks Hospital in Dunkirk, then later sent to UPMC Hamot in Erie-Pennslvania. Dunlap was pronounce deceased at the scene.  Ripley Fire Rescue, Westfield Police also responded to assist. The Sheriff's Accident Reconstruction Team remained on-scene until midnight. Deputies say charges are pending the investigation.


A Sinclairville man faces numerous charges after his car crashed on the Gerry-Ellington Road in the town of Ellington early last weekend...  

Chautauqua County Sheriff's officers say 21 year-old Jemini Merzweiler was operating the vehicle about 9:30 p.m. Friday when the accident occured.  Deputies say Merzweiler was taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment of his injuries.  Officers investigated and, charged Merweiler with driving while intoxicated, failure to keep right, moving from land unsafely, and speeding.  He was issued appearance tickets for town court at a later date.


The investigation is continuing into a fatal car-motorcyle crash in the Cattaraugus County town of Olean nearly two-weeks ago...  

Sheriff's officers in Little Valley aren't releasing many details, but say the accident occured on Route 16 just before 3 p.m. Tuesday, September 18.  Deputies say the motorcycle was southbound when it was struck by a Sports Utility Vehicle that was turning onto Route 16 from Fairview Lane.  The operator of the bike was rushed to Olean General Hospital where they were pronouned dead.  The driver of the SUV was also taken to Olean General and, treated for minor injuries.  No charges have been filed pending the investigation.


The cost of both producing and selling their precision metal parts and fittings have gone up, but Anderson Precision Products has been the busiest they've ever been the past year...  

That from Co-Owner David Archer, who says a combination of tariffs and demand has increased the cost of both the steel and aluminum they use.  Archer says demand is up, but he says added costs from the tariffs are holding down the bottom line.

However,  Archer says that American company -- New Corps -- has to ship it's "hot-milled" steel to Canada for final processing, and it's then shipped back to the U.S., so it falls under the tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration.  Despite the tariffs and other increased costs, Archer says it's been their "number-one sales year so far.  After being at just under 100 employees for a short time, he says they have been hiring people lately and, are up to about 110 workers.  Archer says he hopes the tariffs are short-lived, and that demand remains high.


Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation that names portions of four New York roadways after fallen soldiers and a state trooper....  

The Democrat signed the bills late Friday, one of them honoring a Celoron man killed in action in Iraq in 2004.  State Senator Cathy Young played a role is naming part of Route 394 in the town of Ellicott after Sergeant James Matteson.  In addition, Part of the Jericho Turnpike on Long Island was named after Master Sergeant Christopher Raguso, who was a lieutenant in the Fire Department of New York, and was killed when his New York Air National Guard helicopter crashed near Syria earlier this year.  The other two included the state Trooper killed in Jefferson County in the line of duty last year.  A local road was named after Trooper Joel Davis.


There was rain earlier and mud later in spots, but thousands still came out yesterday for the annual Busti Apple Harvest Festival at the Historical Society grounds....


That's festival Publicity Director Norm Carlson says one of the newer aspects of this year's festival was that people were able to see a lot of progress in restoration of the early 1840s home.  He says they now have three big rooms, and two smaller ones for people to see how life was back then.  Carlson adds they had several new craft vendors this year on the road between the fireman's grounds and the mill.  He says the 1839 gristmill was open, but this year they did hourly tours so the operation could be quieted and people could hear better. 


The Diocese of Buffalo has hired a former FBI agent to investigate complaints of clergy abuse and other wrongdoing...  

Bishop Richard Malone has announced the appointment of Steven Halter as director of the newly created Office of Professional Responsibility.  Halter was a special agent in the FBI for nearly 30 years.  His hiring comes at a time of turmoil in the western New York diocese, including calls for Malone to resign over his handling of claims of sexual misconduct by priests.  While Malone has acknowledged what he calls "past inadequacies" in his handling of complaints, he says he will not resign.


A Buffalo man who was stopped for not having any tail lights on Route 60 in the town of Charlotte last weekend was found have a suspended license and, it had been revoked 17 times...  

Sheriff's officers say they pulled over 38 year-old Devon Taylor about 9:30 Saturday night and also found that there was an active warrant for his arrested.  He was arraigned on the warrant, and a charge of second-degree unlicensed operation and, sent to the County Jail pending bail.


Daily alternate parking begins today in the city of Jamestown.  The Jamestown Police Department says vehicles need to be parked on the odd-numbered side of the street on odd-numbered days... while cars need to be parked on the even-side on even-numbered days.  Pooice say daily parking alternates at 10 AM each day... and, there is no grace period.


A federal district judge in Washington says a group of nearly 200 Democratic senators and representatives has legal standing to sue President Trump to prove he violated the U.S. Constitution's emoluments provision banning the acceptance of gifts from foreign interests...  

The ruling by Judge Emmet Sullivan is the second decision by a federal court advancing such constitutional lawsuits against the president.  A federal judge in Maryland ruled in July that a similar lawsuit against Trump by attorneys general for Maryland and the District of Columbia could proceed... but it only covered Trump's earnings from his hotel in Washington.  To allow the lawsuit to proceed, Sullivan said he would "accept as true the allegations that the President has accepted prohibited foreign emoluments without seeking the consent of Congress."

Archives:

2024-03 | 2024-02 | 2024-01 | 2023-12 | 2023-11 | 2023-10 | 2023-09 | 2023-08 | 2023-07 | 2023-06 | 2023-05 | 2023-04 | 2023-03 | 2023-02 | 2023-01 | 2022-12 | 2022-11 | 2022-10 | 2022-09 | 2022-08 | 2022-07 | 2022-06 | 2022-05 | 2022-04 | 2022-03 | 2022-02 | 2022-01 | 2021-12 | 2021-11 | 2021-10 | 2021-09 | 2021-08 | 2021-07 | 2021-06 | 2021-05 | 2021-04 | 2021-03 | 2021-02 | 2021-01 | 2020-12 | 2020-11 | 2020-10 | 2020-09 | 2020-08 | 2020-07 | 2020-06 | 2020-05 | 2020-04 | 2020-03 | 2020-02 | 2020-01 | 2019-12 | 2019-11 | 2019-10 | 2019-09 | 2019-08 | 2019-07 | 2019-06 | 2019-05 | 2019-04 | 2019-03 | 2019-02 | 2019-01 | 2018-12 | 2018-11 | 2018-10 | 2018-09 | 2018-08 | 2018-07 | 2018-06 | 2018-05 | 2018-04 | 2018-03 | 2018-02 | 2018-01 | 2017-12 | 2017-11 | 2017-10 | 2017-09 | 2017-08 | 2017-07 | 2017-06 | 2017-05 | 2017-04 | 2017-03 | 2017-02 | 2017-01 | 2016-12 | 2016-11 | 2016-10 | 2016-09 | 2016-08 | 2016-07 | 2016-06 | 2016-05 | 2016-04 | 2016-03 | 2016-02 | 2016-01 | 2015-12 | 2015-11 | 2015-10 | 2015-09 | 2015-08 | 2015-07 | 2015-06 | 2015-05 | 2015-04 | 2015-03 | 2015-02 | 2015-01 | 2014-12 | 2014-11 | 2014-10 | 2014-09 | 2014-08 | 2014-07 | 2014-06 | 2014-05 | 2014-04 | 2014-03 | 2014-02 | 2014-01 | 2013-12 | 2013-11 | 2013-10 | 2013-09 | 2013-08 | 2013-07 | 2013-06 | 2013-05 | 2013-04 | 2013-03 | 2013-02 | 1969-12