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WJTN News Headlines for Fri., Mar. 15, 2024

Still no identity released on victim in Monday's fire at Jamestown Senior High Rise, but, is confirmed as an "older man..."
Jamestown fire officials do confirm that an older man was the victim of this past Monday night's seventh-floor apartment fire at the Senior High Rise on West Fifth Street.  That from Deputy Fire Chief Matt Coon... who says city police are still working to notify next of kin about the death.  No other information has been released.  The man was one just over 90 residents of the High Rise at 303 West Fifth when the fire broke out in his apartment about 7:30 p.m.  Mayor Kim Ecklund praised the firefighting and rescue efforts that also involved the Celoron Fire EMS, and some surrounding police agencies.  Ecklund adds they also had to get many of the residents out who had differing types of disabilities, or were confined to wheelchairs.  Ecklund says she saw "acts of true heroism" that night... with city firefighers getting a quick handle on the smokey fire.  She says the outcome could have been worse.  Ecklund says firefighters were already getting the situation under control when she arrived a few minutes after the alarm for 20 off-duty firefighters to respond.  They had the flames out in about 15 to 20 minutes.  The cause of the fire was unattended cooking on a stove top.  About 30 residents were temporarily displaced due to the smokey blaze.  Mayor Ecklund made her comments for this weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the six Media One Radio Group stations.


Pair of trespassers arrested in Ripley...
Two Ripley residents have been arrested for allegedly trespassing on private property... then trying to hide in nearby brush.  Sheriff's officers and State Police Troopers say they were flagged down by a bystander on North State Street shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday for a man and woman trespassing on the property.  Police say their investigation showed that 35 year-old William Burch, Jr., and 39 year-old Kathryn Burch, were the suspects and began searching.  They were both found hiding in the thick, red brush with the help of K-9 "Bentley" and taken into custody.  Both face two counts of criminal trespassing... and, were taken to the Sheriff's Department Ripley Substation for processing and were released with appearance tickets for Ripley Town Court.


County offices to closure for the afternoon of the Total Solar Eclipse...
In anticipation of the upcoming 2024 Total Solar Eclipse... Chautauqua County government will close all county offices and services... with the exception of emergency and essential services... beginning at noon on Monday, Apr. 8.  County Executive P.J. Wendel says non-essential services and offices will be closed until Tuesday, Apr. 9 at 8:30 a.m.  Wendel says the decision is in line with the county's comprehensive approach to eclipse preparedness, which includes traffic management strategies, enhanced emergency response capabilities, and community engagement initiatives.  By closing county offices and services during the eclipse... he says they are aiming to minimize traffic congestion, promote public safety, and enable residents and visitors to fully experience this rare celestial phenomenon.  Wendel adds that "the safety and convenience of our community are paramount, and closing County Offices during the eclipse will help alleviate potential congestion and ensure everyone can safely enjoy this rare celestial event."  For information on eclipse safety... and, where to obtain free solar glasses... go on-line to chqgov.com/eclipse.


Jamestown set to again host the annual "Turn The River Green" event...
The city of Jamestown remains one of the less than 10 communities in the United States that turns it's river green for St. Patrick's Day.  This year's event takes place tomorrow morning along the Chadakoin River next to the JAMA parking lot in Brooklyn Square.  The city will be holding the annual "Turn the River Green" event with the help of the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities.  Mayor Kim Ecklund says everything gets underway at 10 a.m., with vendors selling food, and other St. Patrick's Day-themed item.  She adds the Lucky Leprechan will also be on hand.  It's all put on with the help of Collaborative Children's Solutions.  Ecklund says there will also be Irish music.  She says it looks like the weather will be cooperating this year.  The BPU uses an innocuous material to help the Lucky Leprechan turn the river green... and Ecklund says it's a material used by the BPU for it's smoke testing of water and sewer pipes.  

WJTN News Headlines for Thurs., Mar. 14, 2024

PS Board begins review of nearly $104-million budget for city school district...
Members of the Jamestown School Board are getting their first look at a proposed, nearly $104-million dollar, 2024-25 budget that includes no tax increase.  That from School Superintendent Kevin Whitaker... who along with Assistant Superintendent for Finance... Brittney Spry... laid out the first draft of the spending plan at this week's board meeting.  Dr. Whitaker says the budget also keeps the services they've provided for students coming out of the pandemic in place.  Those include support programs for educational, emotional, and mental health.  Whitaker says spending is up slightly in this budget... but, he says a combination of additional BOCES Aid... and, Foundation Aid from New York state... is covering that.  He says he had the chance -- with others -- to find out from state legislative leaders about where base school aid is going.  He says that should see an increase of 2.5% for Jamestown.  The school board will continue it's review until a final budget goes up for a vote in May.


Borrello says he supports a number of proposals in legislature's "One House..." but, doesn't back others...
The New York State Senate and Assembly should begin debating budget bills in Albany Thursday after releasing their "one-house" spending measures.  In the meantime... negotiations are underway between legislative leaders and Governor Kathy Hochul.  Local State Senator George Borrello says he supports a number of proposals that are included in both the Senate and Assembly one-house budgets... but, has concerns over others.  Borrello says his biggest concern... which is shared by several others... has to do with restoring Foundation -- or Base Aid -- to local school districts.  He says that's especially important for rural districts... of which there are several in Chautauqua County.  However... The Sunset Bay Republican says the fact that policy issues remain in both budgets could be problematic.  Borrello cited... as an example... the New York HEAT Act... which is included fully in the Senate version.  He says the HEAT Act is a policy measure which would allow the state's Public Service Commission to decommission natural gas infrastructure in New York for any reason.


Dunkirk man arrested on multiple drug charges following raid...
A Dunkirk man faces multiple drug charges following a raid on his home in the north county city Tuesday afternoon.  Narcotics investigators with the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office... and, Dunkirk Police Department... executed a search warrant at 51 East Second St. about 12:30 p.m. with the help of Dunkir's SRT Team.  Investigators located 26 year-old Jose Pacheco inside... along with 5-grams of crack cocaine, scales and packaging materials for trafficking drugs... and a quantity of cash.  Pacheco was arrested on one count each of third-and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia.  He was taken to the Dunkirk Police Department where he was held pending arraignment. 


County emphasizing safety on Apr. 8 for Total Solar Eclipse...
Personal safety is a big concern for Chautauqua County officials with the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse.  That goes for your eyes... and, on the roadways.  The eyes were the major focus for health officials... and Public Health Director Lacey Wilson emphasized the need to use properly ISO rated eclipse glasses... that will be distributed by the county.  Wilson warns that not every pair of solar glasses are ISO rated, and standardized.  She says the county's eclipse glasses have an ISO rating of 12312-2... meaning they meet several national and international standards for such glasses.  If you don't use the glasses... or the improper glasses... County Physician Michael Faulk says you can damage the retina.  Faulk says it's called "Solar Retinopathy."  He says the Retina is in the back of the eye... but, still can be harmed by the sun's powerful rays.  If that happens... Dr. Faulk says happens... symptoms could include: a blind spot in both one or both eyes... blurry vision... or headaches.  For the proper eyeware... go on-line to glasses@chqgov.com.


Jamestown man arrested as fugitive...
A city man is accused of driving without a license after being stopped on Jamestown's westside for allegedly having an uninspected car.  City police say they pulled over 48 year-old James Lindsay III near the corner of West Fifth and Jefferson Streets shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday... and, also found his license had been revoked.  Further investigation found that Lindsay was also sought on a warrant out of the Warren County Sheriff's Office in Pennsylvania.  He was taken into custody on a Felony fugitive from justice charge... and, and was jailed pending his arraignment.


Whitaker says JPS District excited about musical, basketball and other extra curricular activites...
It's an exciting time for extra-curricular events and activities in the Jamestown Public Schools... with the start of the annual Spring Musical... and, the Boy's Varsity Basketball Team in the final four at Glens Falls.  That from Superintendent Kevin Whitaker... who told our Dennis Webster Thursday morning that the musical begins tonight with a 7 p.m. performance.  Another 7 p.m. performance will be held on Friday, and a 2 p.m. matinee is set for Saturday.  In addition... the Varsity Boy's Basketball Team will play it's semi-final Class AA play-off game Friday at 2:15 p.m. against Elmont from the New York City Metro Area.  Dr. Whitaker adds both have identical 21-4 records going into the weekend.  The winner plays in the championship game Saturday.  He also congratulated Varsity Bowler Abbie Derby... Swimmer Connor Dean... and, Indoor Track stand-out Jared Cotter on making individual state championships.  


 

WJTN News Headlines for Tues-Wed., Mar. 12-13, 2024

Fire at Jamestown Senior High Rise claims one life...
A fatal fire has damaged part of the seventh-floor of the Senior High Rise building in downtown Jamestown... and, has displaced some of the residents.  City Fire Battlion Keith Olson says crews were called to the scene at 303 West Fifth St. just before 7:30 p.m. Monday, and, found smoke and fire coming from one of the apartments.  Crews quickly moved to the upper floors, and hit the fire with water from their high rise system.  Olson says an off-duty shift went to the scene... while others remained at Station-One at City Hall to maintain city coverage.  Battalion Chief Shawn Shilling says crews had the flames under control and out by shortly after 8 p.m.  Crews were still at the scene late Monday night.  No other residents were hurt... but, one firefighter had minor injuries.  Unattended cooking on a stove apparently triggered the fire... which was mainly confined to the seventh-floor apartment.  City officials say 30 of the 90-plus residents are being assisted temporariiy by the local Red Cross.


City man wanted on warrant found by police with fentanyl and another drug...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for being found in possession of fentanyl and another controlled substance following a weekend traffic stop on the city's southside.  Jamestown Police say their Violence Interdiction... and, K-9 Units... stopped the car on Kidder Street -- near Broadhead Avenue -- shortly after 11 p.m. last Saturday.  Officers say they found that 33 year-old Christopher Belin ws in possession of a quantity of Alprazolam... and, a digital scale.  Police took Belin into custody and he was taken to the city jail for booking.  During a search... Belin allegedly removed the fentanyl from his person... and, tried to consume it to avoid being caught.  However... he was caught.  Police charged Belin with one count each of third, fourth and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... tampering with physical evidence... and, second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia.  He was jailed pending arraignment.


Falconer man arrested for drug possession following unwanted person call...
A Falconer man has been arrested on multiple drug charges after his arrest in Jamestown for being an unwanted person inside a home.  City police were called to the scene at 310 Allen St. shortly after 3 a.m. Sunday... and, learned that 34 year-old Jacob Carr was one of the unwanted persons there.  They also found that there was an active arrest warrant for him out of City Court.  Police arrested Carr and, a later search found seperately packaged fentanyl and methamphetamine in his possession.  He was jailed pending arraignment.


County Chamber, and Visitor's Bureau teaming up to help promote businesses providing Total Solar Eclipse scheduling and merchandise...
A large number of visitors are expected in Chautauqua County for next month's total solar eclipse... and, with that the county's Chamber of Commerce is helping local businesses who will be dealing with additional customers that day.  Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Heitzenrater says they have been teaming up with the county's Visitors Bureau on getting the word out about businesses who will be hosting special events on the weekend of the eclipse.  Heitzenrater says CCVB has been spearheading collection and listing of those events" so people coming into the area can take advantage of them... and, the chamber is trying to suppliment that.  He says businesses can register by going to the Chamber's website or the CCVB website.  He says that offer is for businesses that will be holding special hours that day... or specials that are eclipse-themed.  As of Monday, Heitzenrater says the Visitors Bureau had listed 47 locations in the county with special eclipse events.  The chamber recently hosted workshops in Dunkirk and Jamestown specifically geared towards helping businesses prepare for the eclipse.


No city-sponsored eclipse events in Jamestown, but, there's at least one event taking place at the Fenton...
The city of Jamestown is not sponsoring any solar eclipse events on Apr. 8, but, the Fenton History Center will be hosting a viewing party that day from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.  The city council's Public Safety Committee recently voted to approve the event... and the full council will vote on it Monday, Mar. 25.  Mayor Kim Ecklund says... though... that she and other city leaders are preparing for any possible emergencies... including potential power and communications issues.  Ecklund says the city will be receiving several of the special eclipse-viewing glasses from Chautauqua County... and, they'll have more information soon about distribution.  The total solar eclipse is to take place about 3:15 p.m. to 3:22 p.m. in the Jamestown -- Chautauqua County area.  Most viewing events are generally taking place between 2 and 4 p.m. 


Man and woman from Jamestown arrested after breaking each other's glasses during domestic dispute...
A man and woman from Jamestown were arrested Sunday for allegedly breaking each other's glasses during a domestic dispute on the city's northside.  Jametown police were called to the unidentified location about 2:30 p.m., and, after investigating, learned that both 37 year-old Karen Danson... and, 35 year-old Andrew Cooley... had broken each other's prescription glasses.  Officers also found that Danson and Cooley had valid orders of protections against one another.  Police took both into custody and they were taken to the city jail on charges of second-degree criminal contempt... and, fourth-degree criminal mischief.  Both were jailed pending arraignment.


 

WJTN News Headlines for Mon., Mar. 11, 2024

City man arrested for two incidents in Jamestown last Friday...
A Jamestown man is accused of brandishing a knife at one city business... and, then just a few hours later breaking a window at another business.  City police say they were called to a northside business just after 10 a.m. Friday on a complaint of a person with a weapon.  Officers say their investigation showed that 53 year-old Ervin Mitchell had brandished the knife in a threatening manner towards an employee of the business.  Mitchell was arrested and taken to the city jail for arraignment on charges of second-degree menacing... and, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon,   In accordance with the state's Bail Reform law... Jamestown police released Mitchell.  Then... about 1:30 p.m.... officers were called to a westside business where Mitchell had allegedly become disorderly... and, broke out the window.  Police again arrested Mitchell... and, took him to the city jail on one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief.  Mitchell was arraigned on the new charge on Saturday... and, again issued an appearance ticket for city court.


Rolison arrested at county jail for allegedly taking contraband from city woman...         
A Jamestown woman has been arrested for allegedly trying to pass methamphetamine to the city man recently convicted of having killed two people in separate accidents while high on drugs.  Sheriff's officers say observant corrections officers at the county jail saw 56 year-old Debbie Hires passing an object to 60 year-old Randall Rolison during a morning visitation last Thursday.  Officers say they later found Rolison had placed a package containing methamphetamine into his mouth.  Deputies arrested Hires for first-degree promoting prison contraband... fifth-degree criminal sale of a Controlled Substance... and seventh-degree ciminal possession of a Controlled Substance.  Rolison was also charged with first-degree promoting prison contraband... and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Both were held pending Centralized Arraignment.


Wendel discusses potential wetlands designation changes for Chautauqua Lake...
Different parts of Chautauqua Lake may become new, designated wetlands next January... but, that doesn't mean the entire south basin will be.  That from County Executive P.J. Wendel... who says he is "very concerned" about how the news from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has come out.  However... Wendel says it's an exaggeration to believe property owners won't be able to put out docks... or see their property values plummet.  He says he and the legislature chairman had a high-level meeting with DEC officials recently... and, he says they were told that they are not expanding the wetlands areas of the lake.  Wendel adds "we need to hold them accountable to that statement."  Wendel says he is continuing to push the state for clarity on what is going on with the lake... and what areas are being looked at for wetland areas.  He also points out that there are already parts of the lake that are wetlands... and, some have been since 1975.  He says part of issue is the lake is shallow... and, in those very shallow areas where there's also aquatic vegetation just below the surface creates the wetlands situation.  He made his comments for last weekend's Community Spotlight program.


City fire officials investigating fire allegedly set inside a westside garage last Friday morning...
Jamestown fire investigators say someone intentionally started a fire inside a garage that caused significant interior damage to the structure early last Friday morning.  Deputy Fire Chief Matt Coon says crews were called to the scene at 63 West 14th St. just after 6 a.m., and, found heavy smoke, and little fire coming from the structure.  Coon says it took about 10 minutes to get the fire out.  They found a piece of furniture with fire damage where the flames may have started.  There was fire, smoke and water damage throughout the garage's interior... but, little damage to the outside.  There were no injuries reported.  The investigation is continuing.


City Council to vote on new, shared services agreement with Busti for EMS transports...
The Jamestown City Council will vote later this month on a new, shared services agreement with the Busti Fire Department for emergency transport services.  During Council's recent work session... City Deputy Fire Chief Matt Coon explained that legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2022 allows such agreements... and, will allow Busti to bill insurance when it has to provide ambulance transports in the city.  Coon says that allows only Busti to recover it's costs for those transports.  In addition... Coon says, if the Jamestown Fire Department is called to assist with a transport from the Busti Fire District, they would be reimbursed for that cost as well.  Councilman Bill Reynolds called it a "win-win" for the city and the town.  Coon says... once the city gets it's new, second-ambulance in service... the need for outside transport help should be reduced.


City man accused of giving one-year-old marijuana to consume...
A Jamestown man is accused of allowing a one-year-old child to consume some marijuana... then leaving the hospital with the child before the toddler was treated.  City police say they were called to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital shortly before 9:30 p.m. last Friday for a "suspicious situation."  Officers say they found that 21 year-old Elijah McBride had allowed the child to have some marijuana... and, then brought the child to the hospital for treatment.  However... McBride then took the child away... putting the toddler into a "dangerous situation."  He left the hospital for about 30 minutes, and then returned.  McBride was arrested there on one count of endangering the welfare of a child. 


 

WJTN News Headlines for Thurs-Fri., Mar. 7-8, 2024

Fire damages stand-alone garage in Jamestown...
Fire has damaged an unattached garage on Jamestown's northside, the cause of which remains under investigation.  Fire Battalion Chief Brian Acterberg says crews were called to the scene at 21 Euclid Ave. shortly after 1 p.m. Thursday, and found flames showing from the roof, and, crews stretched two handlines to battle the blaze.  Acterberg says firefighters had the blaze under control in about 10 minutes.. and, completely out in about half-an-hour.  No one was inside the garage at the time the fire started, and no one was hurt.  An off-duty shift was called in to assist.

 

Jamestown man arrested for alleged hate crimes following incident with juvenile along the Chadakoin...
A city man has been arrested for hate crimes for allegedly harassing and assaulting a juvenile who was fishing along the Chadakoin River... and, the man believed he was an illegal immigrant.  Jamestown Police were called to the scene on North Main Street shortly after 5:30 p.m. Monday, and spoke to the victim, who said he was fishing by himself, when the man approached him and called him an "immigrant."  The victim said 30 year-old Christopher Conklin claimed he was a police officer... and, that he had a warrant and yelled at the victim to get on the ground.  The victim says Conklin continued yelling at him... and, he told a passerby that the victim was an immigrant.  The victim said the suspect charged him... and tackled him to the ground and yelled for him to stay there.  However... Conklin then allegedly got up and told the victim that he wanted to fight and got into a fighting stance.  The victim called 911 and the suspect continued to yell at him to get on the ground, and then charged and tackled the victim a second time... injuring him.  The victim dropped his cell phone and Conklin picked it up and threw it in the river when he saw the victim was calling police.  He then ran off before police arrived... but, the victim gave a description... and Conklin was later found on the northside.  He was arrested for third-degree robbery... third-degree assault... and, third-and fourth-degree criminal mischief -- each of those as hate crimes... and, first-degree criminal imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child.  Conklin was jailed pending arraignment.


Two Jamestown brothers arrested during raid on drug and weapons charges...
Two city men have been arrested on drug and weapons possession charges following a raid Tuesday morning at an apartment on Jamestown's northside.  City police say members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force... and, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force... executed a search warrant at 212 Price St. about 10 a.m. with the help of the JPD SWAT Team.  After making entry... the SWAT Team found three people inside the residence... and detectives found 34-grams of fentanyl... $427 in cash... scales... cutting agents, and packaging materials.  They also found Alprazolam, a stolen rifle, and a shotgun.  Officers arrested two brothers... 36 year-old Juan and 35 year-old Francisco Gutierrez.  Juan faces two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... one count of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... three counts of second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia... and, one of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.  Francisco was charged with one count of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property... and one of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon for being a Felony in possession of a rifle.  Both were jailed pending arraignment. 


Jamestown man arrested on warrants after being found with switchblade knife and drugs...
A city man is accused of being in possession of illegal drugs... and, a switchblade knife during a street check on Jamestown's southside early Wednesday morning.  City police say they saw 40 year-old Tyler Perez inside the 7-Eleven store at 321 Hazeltine Ave. just after 4 a.m., and, knew there were active warrants for his arrest.  Police took Perez into custody... and, found him in possession of the knife... along with quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine.  Due to a previous conviction in New York... he was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, two counts seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Perez was jailed pending arraignment.


Borrello believes new state budget will be late...
It doesn't appear likely that there will be an on-time budget in New York state this year.  Those are the feelings of State Senator George Borrello with less than a month to go before the Apr. 1 deadline.  Borrello says he's hopeful a new plan will be crafted by Monday, April 1st... but, adds that's the day after Easter... and, that will make it very difficult to complete by then.  The Sunset Bay Republican says the biggest problem is that the spending plan includes policy measures... and he's part of a bi-partisan group working on legislation to end that practice.  He says he spent 10 years in county government and it was "all about numbers..." not policy.  At this point... Borrello says the leadership in both the Senate and Assembly are working on their "one-house" bills... which will then be negotiated with Governor Kathy Hochul.  However... he says there are still some significant disagreements over policy... education aid... and, providing New York city with another $2.4-billion to deal with the migrant crisis.  He made his comments for last weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the six Media One Radio Group stations.
 

WJTN News Headlines for Wed., Mar. 6, 2024

Four arrested in Jamestown for alleged major drug and weapons charges...
Four people -- two from Jamestown -- the other two from Cattaraugus County... have been arrested on drug and weapons possession charges following a traffic stop on the city's westside.  Jamestown police say officers saw a vehicle commit a traffic infraction in the area of West Sixth and Washington Sts. just after 12:30 Tuesday afternoon.  City police say the driver... 42 year-old Jamie Allen of Salamanca... was found in possession of 31.5-grams of methamphetamine... 5.4-grams of psilocybin mushrooms, a quantity of MDMA and suboxone.  One of the passengers... 39 year-old Kylene Hellreigel... was found with 27 grams of meth... 5.4 grams of the mushrooms, a quantity of MDMA and suboxone... and, a rifle she was not legally allowed to possess due to a prior felony conviction.  The other two passengers... 35 year-old Melissa Edington of Jamestown and 40 year-old John Newark of Little Valley... were found with 1.8 grams of meth...  5.4-grams of psilocybin mushrooms... and, quantities other drugs.  Edington was also found with a stun gun, while Newark was in possession of a rifle that he was illegally in possession of.  Allen and Hellriegal both face two counts each of third-and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and Hellriegal faces one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  Edington faces one count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... four counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of drugs... and one of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  Newark faces one count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, three counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of drugs... along with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  All four were jailed pending arraignment.


Allegany man arrested for resisting arrest... and, giving fake identity to Jamestown police...
A man from Cattaraugus County has been arrested in Jamestown as a fugitive from justice following a traffic stop in which he allegedly resisted officers... and, tried to assault them.  City police say a Gun-Involved Violence Enforcement Detail pulled over 33 year-old Kentrel Jackson of Allegany near the ROBO mini-mart at 817 North Main St. about 7:30 p.m. Monday for a traffic violation.  During the stop... officers say Jackson allegedly gave a false name and date of birth.  The name he provided showed warrants out of Rochester... and, officers moved to take him into custody.  However... he resisted and tried to assault the arresting officers and flee.  Jackson was then taken into custody... and, police determined his true identity.  He was found to also be formerly of Rochester.  During the incident... police say one of the officers was injured.  Jackson was taken to the city jail on charges including being a fugitive from justice from McKean County, Pennsylvania.  He's also charged with second-degree assault... resisting arrest... criminal impersonation... and, multiple traffic violations.  Jackson was held pending arraignment and an extradition hearing.


Schumer pushes for reimbursement to local health care providers in wake of last week's Change Healthcare cyberattack...
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer says he's pleased the Department of Health and Human Services is heeding his calls to accelerate payments to "hard hit" upstate New York health care providers in the wake of a recent cyberattack.  The New York Democrat says the "massive cyberattack" last week against Change Healthcare downed the huge network that reimburses hospitals and pharmacies from Medicare and insurance.  Schumer says this is not the first time HHS and CMS has done this.  He says that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.  During his Zoom video conference with the media Tuesday... he also called on the FBI make this case the "highest priority..." and go after the hackers.  He says that -- right now -- Upstate New York healthcare providers are struggling to get paid, process insurance claims, with some seeing millions of dollars lost every day as result of this breach. 


Council to act on measure calling for increase in state AIM aid...
There's renewed effort statewide to get New York State to increase the amount of aid they receive in the annual state budget.  The Jamestown City Council will vote later this month on a resolution calling on Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature to increase the amount of Aid and Incentives to Municipalities -- or AIM payments to local governments.  The measure was approved by the council's Finance Committee Monday night.  Chairman Brent Sheldon says those payments have not increased the past 15 years.  Mayor Kim Ecklund says the New York State Conference of Mayor's is making a new push to get local municipalities to push for an increase.  The push to get more AIM funding from the state quieted somewhat during the five years that Jamestown received an additional $1-million in state funding due to the formula that was used to determine what local governments received. 


Westfield man arrested after DWI crash...
A Westfield man has been arrested for allegedly driving drunk when his car crashed on Plank Rd. in the town of Westfield Tuesday afternoon.  Sheriff's officers say they responded to the scene about 4 p.m., and, found 44 year-old Samuel Cettell... and, investigated.  Deputies say their investigation found that Cettell was operating the vehicle in an intoxicated state.  He was taken into custody on charges of DWI... DWI Per Se... and, failure to keep right.  Cettell was issued traffic tickets for Westfield Town Court at a later date.
 

WJTN News Headlines for Tues., Mar. 5, 2024

City Council begins review of three new ordinances dealing with housing, rentals and public nuisance issues...
Three new ordinances that deal mainly with housing issues have been introduced by Jamestown's Department of Development.  The City Council's Housing Committee discussed the three ordinances at length with Development Director Crystal Surdyk... and, outlined those discussions with the full council.  Committee Chairman Bill Reynolds says the first establishes a Vacant Real Property Registration.  Reynolds says it's a "pretty cut and dry" proposal.  The second ordinance establishes a set of Rental Inspection policies... which Surdyk says she wants to get feedback from council members, residents, and landlords about.  She would like to see a full council vote on that next month because there are still some logistics they are working through.  The third ordinance would involve a set of "Public Nuisance policies..." which have been formulated based on the work of the city's recently hired Public Nuisance Officer.  Surdyk credited Kasie Foulk from her office for doing a lot of the work on the three ordinances.


Schmidt announces Dalton sentencing...
A Jamestown man has been sentenced to four years in state prison for violating terms of his probation after being found in possession of methampetamine during a traffic stop a year ago in the city.  Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt says 39 year-old Todd Dalton received the sentence... along with two years post-release supervision... from County Court Judge David Foley Monday.  Dalton was convicted after pleading guilty to fourth-degree attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance during the March, 2023 traffic stop.  He pleaded guilty to the charge back in January.  Schmidt says he was also on felony probation on a charge of third-degree attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in August 2022.  He was sentenced as a non-violent, predicate felon due to having more than one conviction in 10 years.


Another day of possible record warmth in store for WNY...
Our unusually warm Winter is continuing for the first two days of this week... and, on Monday... a new record high temperature was set in the region.  The National Weather Service reported a 72-degree reading at 2 p.m. in Buffalo... smashing the old record of 63 set back in 1974.  Forecaster Jon Hitchcock in Buffalo said Monday that warm air from the south has made it's way into Western New York... and, much of the northeastern U.S.  Hitchcock said it was already in the mid-60s across the area late Monday morning.  The high in Dunkirk was actually the high temperature across Western New York.  It reached 76-degrees near the Lake Erie shoreline.  Hitchcock adds that we may see another record broken today... with highs right around 70.  Here at our Media One Radio Group studios... the high was 73 yesterday... and, we will get close to 70 today.  However... there is a slight chance of rain by the afternoon.  By Wednesday... highs will be around 50... which is still well above the normal high for this part of March.


City woman, Jail inmate from Dunkirk, arrested for promoting prison contraband...         
A Jamestown woman has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle illegal drugs to a Chautauqua County Jail inmate... who has also been arrested.  Sheriff's officers say the arrest of 43 year-old Tammra Topliffe... and, 30 year-old Preston Lawrence of Dunkirk... are part of a concerted effort to curb the influx of illegal substances into the jail.  Last Friday... deputies say corrections officers intercepted Topliffe during routine security at inmate visitation.  Acting on a tip... they kept surveillance on Topliffe while she was in the visitation area... and, saw her passing a cache of narcotics to Lawrence.  Deputies say they seized the contraband... Suboxone... a prescription medication which is a controlled narcotic... and, they say it represents a flagrant violation of jail regulations.  Topliffe is charged with first-degree promoting prison contraband... and fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.  Lawrence was also charged with first-degree promoting prison contraband... and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Both were arraigned and issued appearance tickets for Chautauqua Town Court at a later date.


Chamber presents it's "Salute to Finest" awards in Jamestown...
The Chamber of Commerce presented its ‘Jamestown Salute to the Finest’ awards last night at the Doubletree hotel downtown.  The Legacy Award went to Chautauqua Patrons Insurance.  Executive Vice President, Brian Willink, accepted the award on behalf of company Chief Executive Officer Mark Prechtl.  Willink says Chautauqua Patrons was established in 1877, and has provided many kinds of insurance to the Jamestown-area, and upstate New York.  Willink says they now have 250 independent agents across the region. The Service to Humanity Award went to Mike Roberts, President of Allied Alarm.  Roberts was humbled by the designation... and accepted it on behalf of the organizations he's been involved with.  Chautauqua Soap Company was named ‘Rising Business of the Year.’  ‘Ryan’s Phil and Cindy’s Lunch’ was honored as Restaurant of the Year.   


Closings announced for Chautauqua Lake Bridge rehabilitation project...
Work has been underway on the approximately $78-million Chautauqua Lake Bridge reconstruction project... but, some traffic changes began Monday.  Chautauqua County Public Facilities Director Tim Card confirms the state Department of Transportation has closed off Exit 10 at Long Point State Park from eastbound Interstate 86 to westbound Route 430 now until 6 a.m. next Saturday.  In addition... westbound I-86 will be closed between Exit 10 and Exit 9 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. today through Friday.  Detours will be posted.


 

WJTN News Headlines for Mon., Mar. 4, 2024

Western New York shatters record-high for Mar. 3 with 72 reading at Buffalo-Niagara Airport...
Our unusually warm Winter is continuing through the day Tuesday... with a new record high reached in Buffalo this afternoon at 72-degrees.  The old high was 63 set back in 1974.  That from Forecaster Jon Hitchcock with the National Weather Service in Buffalo... who says warm air from the south has made it's way into Western New York... and, much of the northeastern U-S.  At 11 this morning... temperatures were already in the mid-60s.  It'll also be mild during the overnight.  Hitchcock adds that we may see another record broken tomorrow.  However... Hitchcock says that one's a little higher... and, may not be attainable.  Our high in the Jamestown-area is expected to reach close to 70 Tuesday... with a slight chance of rain in the afternoon.  By Wednesday... highs will be around 50... which is still well above normal for this time of year.  


Two arrested at Chautauqua County Jail after woman allegedly tries to pass suboxone to inmate...         
A Jamestown woman has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle illegal drugs to a Chautauqua County Jail inmate... who has also been arrested.  Sheriff's officers say the arrest of 43 year-old Tammra Topliffe... and, 30 year-old Preston Lawrence of Dunkirk... are part of a concerted effort to curb the influx of illegal substances into the jail.  Last Friday... deputies say corrections officers intercepted Topliffe during routine security at inmate visitation.  Acting on a tip, officers kept surveillance on Topliffe while she was in the visitation area... and, were able to observe her passing a cache of narcotics to Lawrence.  Deputies say they seized the contraband... Suboxone... a prescription medication which is a controlled narcotic... and, they say it represents a flagrant violation of regulations governing the jail.  Topliffe is charged with first-degree promoting prison contraband... and fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.  Lawrence was also charged with first-degree promoting prison contraband... and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Both were arraigned and issued appearance tickets for Chautauqua Town Court.


Trio of men arrested on drug charges following vehicle pursuit and traffic stop in Jamestown...
Three men were found with quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl during a traffic stop early last Saturday morning on Jamestown's northside.  City police say they attempted to pull over the car... driven by Jamie Warner... at the intersection of Jefferson and West Seventh Streets shortly before 2 a.m.  However... officers say Warner did not comply before finally stopping the car on Washington Street near West 10th.  Police say their investigation turned up the quantities of meth and fentanyl.  They say Warner has been charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia... along with several traffic violations.  Police add that one passenger, Bryan Knapp, has been charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, second-degree criminally using Drug Paraphernalia.  A second passenger... Willie Graham... is charged with third-and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... two counts of second-degree criminally Using drug paraphernalia... and, tampering with physical evidence.  All three were jailed pending arraignment.


Teen sentenced for fatal shooting in Shooting in Sinclairville in July of 2022...
A teenager who fatally shot a Cassadaga man in July 2022 has been sentenced as an adult last Friday in Chautauqua County Court.  That from District Attorney Jason Schmidt...  who says Judge David Foley sentenced 17-year-old Andreas Lopez to 10 years in state prison after he pleaded guilty last January to a Felony count of first-degree manslaughter.  Schmidt says the incident that led to the death of 18-year-old Joseph Misciagno stemmed from a fight in the village of Sinclairville.  The D.A. says he is not satisfied with the sentence, noting that he was advocating for Lopez to serve 20 years behind bars, along with five years post-release supervision.  He says he is pleased that Judge Foley did not grant Lopez youthful offender status, which would have resulted in a lighter sentence.


Traffic changes reported with work on Chautauqua Lake Bridge reconstruction well underway...
Work has been underway on the approximately $78-million Chautauqua Lake Bridge reconstruction project... but, some traffic changes began Monday.  Chautauqua County Public Facilities Director Tim Card confirms the state Department of Transportation has closed off Exit 10 at Long Point State Park from eastbound Interstate 86 to westbound Route 430 now until 6 a.m. next Saturday.  In addition... westbound I-86 will be closed between Exit 10 and Exit 9 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Tuesday through Friday.  Detours will be posted.  Also... I-86 traffic... both westbound and eastbound directions will be closed between Exit 9 and 11 from 9 p.m. Friday, Mar. 8... until 8 a.m. Saturday, Mar. 9.   


Martz-Kohl Observatory board member urges resident to get ISO rated Eclipse Glasses...
People are already getting their special sunglasses for next month's Total Solar Eclipse.  But... a long-time board member of the Martz-Kohl Observatory in Frewsburg says watch for scams.  Former Observatory Board President Gary Nelson is urging residents to make sure they get the proper glasses to view the Apr. 8 phenomenon.  Nelson says there are already eclipse eyeware "scams" out there... but, the observatory does have some of the approved ones available for sale.  The eclipse on Mon., Apr. 8, can be viewed from various places in the region... witn the time for the Total Solar Eclipse coming between 3:15 p.m. and 3:20 p.m. that day.


 

WJTN News Headlines for Fri., Mar. 1, 2024

Five arrested in Jamestown during Thursday morning drug bust...
Five people from Jamestown have been arrested during a drug raid inside an apartment on the city's southside Thursday morning.  City police say members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force executed a search warrant on the lower apartment at 47 Charles St. about 10 a.m., and, found seven people inside.  Once investigators secured the location... they found 33.4 grams of cocaine... a small quantity of Oxycodone pills... a small quantity of Methamphetamine... $478 in cash, scales and packaging used in the distribution of narcotics.  Police arrested 44 year-old Sandra Pavlock... 44 year-old Larry Hicks... 25 year-old Larissa Pavlock... 21 year-old Robin Hadley... and, 20 year-old Dontrel Buchanon... all residents of the apartment.  Pavlock is charged with is charged with two counts each of third and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and one count each of second-degree criminally using Drug Paraphernalia... and, third-degree criminal nuisance.  Hicks is charged with one count each of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, second-degree criminal nuisance.  Larissa Pavlock, Hadley and Buchanon are each charged with second-degree criminal nuisance.  All three were jailed pending arraignment. 


Hochul signs mew Congressional District maps for New York state, but, process continues to draw controversy...
The long-running debate about redrawing New York’s congressional maps is over... as Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the new maps drawn by Democrats in the Legislature into law.  This comes after an independent commission’s maps were rejected by the Democratic majority in the legislature as being "too similar to the 2022 maps..." which they say heavily favored Republicans.  That sent the process back to "square one" after the state Supreme Court ordered that new maps be drawn last year.  But... Senior Fellow Jeffrey Wice with New York Law School’s Census and Redistricting Institute says the state’s redistricting process was designed to fail because it was poorly conceived, and has poor wording to it.  Wice adds the amendment was specifically designed to retain the then-Republican majority in the state Senate.  Approval of the most recent maps ends New York’s redistricting debate – at least for now.  But... Wice thinks now is the time for lawmakers to work on making the redistricting process more transparent – with more public input, and perhaps a new amendment to the state Constitution.


Slagle to leave County Attorney's post in mid-March...
Chautauqua County is in search of a new County Attorney with the resignation of Jamestown's Patrick Slagle... effective next March 13th.  County Executive P.J. Wendel said in a press release late Thursday that Slagle is taking a new position with the New York State Court System.  Wendel says Slagle has been County Attorney since being appointed in October of 2022... and, was also First Assistant County Attorney prior to that.  Before holding that positiion... he says Slagle dedicated his legal expertise as an Assistant Social Services Attorney with the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services.  During his time as County Attorney... Wendel says Slagle has been involved in representing the county in various legal proceedings.  Wendel adds his responsibilities also included overseeing the operations of the County Law Department and providing legal counsel to the County Executive, County Legislature, and various County Departments and agencies.  Slagle has also been a long-time member of the Jamestown School Board.


Cummins' Engine launches next generation low emissions engine adaptable to alternative fuels to be produced in Jamestown...
The Cummins' Engine Company is launching production of it's most efficient, heavy-duty diesel engine line ever... and, it's compliant with federal emissions standards set to begin in 2027.  Officials with the Columbus, Indiana truck and bus engine maker held a press conference Thursday afternoon to announce the next generation -- "X15 HELM" 15-liter engine --  that can use most kinds of alternative fuel.  Cummins officials say the engines will be produced at their Jamestown, and North Carolina plants.  Vice-President and General Manager for Global On-Highway, Jane Beamon, says it'll be fueled primarily with nature gas to begin with.  Cummins' Engine Business President, Brett Merritt, says the Jamestown Engine Plant will be a key player in developing the new technology... which can run on fuels ranging from natural gas to hydrogen.  Merritt says the idea is also to make an engine that meets their customer's efficiency and cost needs.  He says they needed a "base platform" to start with.  Officials say the new engine will feature improved greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency benefits while retaining the same ratings of the current X15 model.  A more than $450-million expansion project for producing the new enginer is underway at the Jamestown Engine Plant.


Man arrested for pulling knife and threatening another person during argument...
A 50 year-old man has been arrested for allegedly pulling a knife on anther person after they got into an argument in the parking lot of a Falconer hotel Wednesday morning.  Ellicott Town Police say they were called to the Budget Inn at the four-corners just after 8 a.m. on a report of a person "waving a knife around."  Officer say they arrested Luis Lugo for getting into the argument and taking the knife out of his pocket.  Lugo was arrested for third-degree menacing... and, was issued an appearance ticket for Ellicott Town Court.
 

WJTN News Headlines for Thurs., Feb. 29, 2024

County Legislature approves pay raises for four elected officials...
The Chautauqua County Legislature has approved four local laws increasing the salaries of most elected officials.  Most of the debate over base salary hikes for the county executive, county clerk, and the sheriff centered around the fact that... since 2018... each of them has received a year consumer price index pay increase.  Jamestown Democrat Fred Larson -- in fact -- questioned the need for a Salary Review Commission to make recommendations.  Larson says the increases of nearly six-years ago, and the cost-of-living increases... "should be adequate."  However... with just a couple of exceptions... base increases for those three positions were approved by the Republican majority on the legislature.  Audit and Control Committee Chairman Dan Pavlock praised the work of the commission... which hadn't met in recent years -- in large part due to the pandemic.  He says this puts the salaries where they should be.  The increase for both the county executive and the sheriff were approved 13-6... and the clerk's increase was adopted, 14-5.  Lawmakers also approved legislator base pay increases from 9,000 to $14,000 a year.


Erie teen killed in crash near Panama identified...
An Erie, Pa. teenager was killed earlier this week in a single-car accident on the Panama-Stedman Road in the town of Harmony.  State Police in Jamestown were called to the scene about 4 p.m. Monday... and, found that the late model sedan was northbound when it went off the roadway... and, struck multiple trees.  Troopers say the passenger in the car... identified as 18 year-old Abdulnaser Al Hamwi.. was pronounced dead at the scene.  They say the driver... 20 year-old Alaa Mohammad Al Zoubi -- also of Erie -- was flown to UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.  The investigation is continuing.


First Assistant D.A. excited to get GOP endorsement to run for 150th District Assembly seat...
A relative newcomer to Chautauqua County politics says he's pleased to have received the county Republican Committee's endorsement to run for the New York State Assembly.  Fredonia's Andrew Molitor got the nod earlier this week over former Fredonia Mayor Doug Essek to run for the seat being vacated a year's end by long-time Assemblyman Andy Goodell.  Molitor says he's honored and excited to get the committee's backing.  He says they're good people who "work very hard" to nominate people who care about the issues they do.  Molitor says he's always had an interest in policy matters... and, says a lot of those policies affect New Yorker's on a day-to-day basis.  The county's current First Assistant District Attorney says he's ready to represent everyone in Albany.  Molitor will be opposing Fredonia Democrat Michael Bobseine for the position this Fall.  Molitor is married and has five children. 


Jamestown man arrested for domestic violence incident...
A city man is accused of entering a home illegally... and, assaulting another person during a domestic incident on Jamestown's northside.  City police were called to the location shortly before 2 a.m. Tuesday... and, spoke with the victim involved.  Officers say the victim told them that 41 year-old Demaio McBride was able to get into the home... and assaulted and choked them in front of a child under the age of 17.  Police arrested McBride for first-degree burglary... third-degree assault... criminal obstruction of breathing... and, endangering the welfare of a child.  He was jailed pending arraignment.


Rare Disease Day being commemorated in Jamestown...
Jamestown’s City Hall and the Washington Street Bridge will be bathed in purple, blue, green and pink light tonight… in honor of ‘Rare Disease Day.’   Joan Eppehemier of Jamestown says rare diseases really aren’t that rare.  Eppeheimer says research has found that 1 in 10 Americans now have one "rare disease."  In the U.S., a disease is considered ‘rare’ if fewer than 200,000 people have it.  There are 7,000 known rare diseases.  One of them is Hunter’s Syndrome, where people lack an enzyme that removes cell waste from the body.  Joan’s husband Wayne, a retired pastor, has Hunter’s Syndrome.  He says he's "very grateful to God for each and every day" because people with the disease usually don't live as long as he has.  The Eppeheimers believe it’s important to raise awareness on Feb. 29 because the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases can be extremely difficult to find.  More information is available by looking up NORD, the National Organization for Rare Disorders.


Two women arrested in city for drug possession and forged license plate...
Two women have been arrested in Jamestown on drug and forgery charges after the car they were in was stopped for a traffic violation this past Monday night.  City police say members of their Violence Interdiction Unit conducted the stop in the area Newton Aven. and Kipp St. just after 10 p.m., and identified the occupants as 46 year-old May Stilson... and, 44 year-old Shamori Houston.  Officers say they spotted drug paraphernalia in plain view in the vehicle... and, conducted a search.  They allegedly fuond a quantity of fentanyl in the vehicle.  Police add they also found that the vehicle had a forged North Carolina license plate on it.  Both Stilson and Houston were arrested... and, taken to the city jail on charges of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument... and, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled susbtance.


  


 

WJTN News Headlines for Wed., Feb. 28, 2024

Erie, Pa. man killed in single-car crash in Panama area...
An Erie, Pennsylvania man was killed earlier this week in a one-car crash on the Panama-Stedman Rd. in the town of Harmony.  State Police in Jamestown were called to the scene about 4 p.m. Monday... and, found that the late model sedan was northbound when it went off the roadway and struck multiple trees.  Troopers say the passenger in the car... 18 year-old Abdulnaser Al Hamwi.. was pronounced dead at the scene.  Police says the driver... 20 year-old Alaa Mohammad Al Zoubi -- also of Erie -- was flown by Mercy Flight to UPMC Hamot Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.  The State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Collision Reconstruction Unit assisted in this investigation... which is continuing.


Democrats on state legislature proposing new lines for Congressional District maps...
Majority Democrats on the New York State Legislature have proposed new lines for congressional districts that could give them a potential boost in the key battleground state hours after rejecting boundaries created by a bipartisan redistricting commission.  The legislation proposed after Monday's rejection vote leaves much of the Independent Redistricting Commission's recently unveiled map in place... but, it includes changes to districts in suburban Long Island and the Hudson Valley -- north of New York City.  The Democratic proposal is a significant step in the years-long battle over New York's 26 congressional seats, since even slight tweaks in the state's map could help determine which party controls the House of Representatives after the November elections.  Republicans have already threatened a legal challenge if the lines are approved. 


Wind, rain and snow to be part of wild weather day in Western New York Wednesday...
There will be some wild weather the next day or so.  The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued high wind watch for most of Western New York, including Chautauqua and Erie counties, from now until 1 a.m. Thursday.  That from Forecaster Heather Kenyon with the Weather Services Buffalo Office... who says a major cold front will cross the region this afternoon and is expected to produce strong and gusty winds... and some gusts could be as much as 50 to 60 mph.  There could be damaging winds that could blow down some trees and power lines... and scattered power outages are possible.  Kenyon adds that with widespread rain in the forecast, the front will also create the possibility of a flash freeze today, as temperatures rapidly dropping below the freezing mark late in the day. 


Parolee from Jamestown arrest on drug and weapon charges...
A city man has been arrested on drug and weapons possession charges following a home Parole Check at his home on Jamestown's eastside Tuesday morning.  City police say they were assisted State Parole with the home check on 33 year-old Terry Kendall at part of at Gun-Involved Violence Enforcement Detail just after 8 a.m.  Officers say they found Kendall laying on a loaded, 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun... but, they were able to take Kendall into custody without incident.  Officers say they also found just over 28-grams of crack cocaine, numerous digital scales, cash... and 10-grams of an unknown substance adapted for the dilution of a narcotic drug or stimulant.  Kendall was taken to the city jail pending arraignment on two counts each of criminally using drug paraphernalia... and, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.


Sherman man caught during traffic stop with large amount of Meth, and several firearms...
A man from Sherman faces felony charges after he was allegedly found in possession of more than 170 grams of methamphetamine, and several firearms during a traffic stop late Monday night on Route 76.  Sheriff's deputies say they stopped 41 year-old Allan Detweiler for a traffic violation shortly before Midnight... and, found he had violated an order of protection.  Narcotics investigators were able to obtain a search warrant... and, seized 178 grams of meth, scales and packaging material for the sale and distribution of narcotics, a loaded revolver and seven rifles.  Officers arrested Detweiler for second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  He was jailed pending arraignment.


Gillibrand critical of Johnson with federal shutdown looming...
The four top Congressional leaders met Tuesday with President Joe Biden to discuss the need for quick action to avoid a looming government shutdown this Friday.... and send emergency aid to Ukraine and Israel.  Mr. Biden hosted hosted House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in the Oval Office.  During a video press conference Tuesday... U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said Speaker Johnson's inexperience is showing... and New York's five new GOP House members need to get him to "yes."  Federal officials say parts of the government could begin scaling back services as early as Friday... with more a week from Friday.  


Gillibrand outlines proposed bill to protect IVF procedures...
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is among several members of Congress co-sponsoring legislation that would protect couple's rights to have access to in vitro fertalization... otherwise known as IVF.  During her video conference Tuesday... the New York Democrat noted that the Access to Family Building Act would protect access to IVF... which has been discontinued in several locations in Alabama after that state's Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are "children."  Gillibrand says that could happen in other states if federal action isn't taken to keep doctors and others from being liable if some embryos have to be destroyed.  Gillibrand adds that couples often have to go through multiple IVF treatments before they become pregnant.


 

WJTN News Headlines for Tues., Feb. 27, 2024

Report: Rolison sentenced to 13 to 40 years in prison for traffic deaths...
The Jamestown man who admitted guilt for hitting and killing a teenaged pedestrian just over two years ago... and, later hitting and killing a woman while out on bail for the first crash... will spend up to 40 years in state prison.  WIVB-TV in Buffalo reports Randall Rolison received the sentence Monday in Chautauqua County Court for driving the car-hauler that struck and killed 15-year-old Lexy Hughan as she crossed West Sixth Street in the city on New Year's Eve of 2021.  Then... while out on bail... Rolison killed another person nearly a year later when his car ran a stop sign, and stuck another vehicle.  In December of 2022... Linda Kraemer and her husband, Gary, were driving home from a concert when Rolison, who was high on meth, struck their car.  Linda Kraemer was killed in the crash... while her husband was seriously hurt.  Last June... Rolison pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter stemming from the first accident and aggravated vehicular homicide stemming from the second.  He will spend 13 to 40 years in prison.


Celoron man arrested by federal agents on child pornography charges...
A Celoron man has been arrested by federal agents for allegedly trying to produce... and, possess child pornography just over a year ago.  U.S. Attorney Trini Ross announced Monday that 39 year-old Jose Perez was arrested on a criminal complaint for attempted production of child pornography... and possession of child pornography.  Prosecutors say Homeland Security investigators received a tip in early September of 2022 from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Perez uploaded a file with suspected child pornography.  Then on Dec. 15 of that year... agents got a federal search warrant for Perez’s home... and, seized computers, a cellphone, and electronic storage devices -- including a thumb drive -- which contained two video files that appeared to be taken from a videocamera inside Perez’s bathroom.  One of the files included video of a naked minor victim who does not appear to be aware that the camera is present.  In addition... the thumb drive contained nearly 18,000 image files that appeared to be taken from the same bathroom videocam, and included naked images of the minor victim.  They also found more child porn on Perez’s cell phone. 


County GOP announces endorsements...
The north county man who has represented New York state's 57th District has been endorsed by Chautauqua County Republicans to run for a third, full-term in the legislature's upper house.  The endorsement follows State Senator George Borrello's official announcement that he's running this Fall.  In making his announcement... the Sunset Bay Republican says he's made it his mission to "be a champion for our district and rural New Yorkers... and, has been "humbled" by the support he's received.  He also touted his relationship with local county officials and their partners at the state and federal levels, due in large part to his 10 years of being involved in county government.  
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In addition to Borrello... Chautauqua County Republicans also endorsed Andrew Molitor of Fredonia to run for the 150th District State Assembly seat.  Current, seven-term Republican Andy Goodell will retire after the current term next Dec. 31.  County Republicans also endorsed first-term Congressman Nick Langworthy for re-election. 

The GOP is also backing Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt for another term.  Republicans are also endorsing Jamestown-area attorney Peter Johnson to run for Family Court Judge this Fall. 


City Council approves $350,000 JLDC loan to Wicked Warren's...
City lawmakers in Jamestown have approved the newest piece of public financing for a new craft brewery looking to locate in the former Jamestown Brewing Company location.  The City Council Monday night approved the $350,000 Jamestown Local Development Corporation loan to Wicked Jimmy's, LLC of Warren, Pennsylvania... which is looking to open up "Wicked Warren's" at 115-to-121 West Third St.  Council President Tony Dolce says they're pleased to help move the project along.  Dolce says Wicked Warren's owner has a "good reputation" in the region.  He adds the loan will be for 10 years at 4% interest.  The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency recently announced an IDA loan to Wicked Jimmy's for the Jamestown project... which is projected to cost about $2.2-million.  


Rand Machine in Falconer receives $47-million, 10 year contract with U.S. Army...
A Falconer manufacturer has been awarded a five-year, $47-million contract with the U.S. Army to make an deliver aviation suspension lugs.  In a printed statement... local Congressman Nick Langworthy announced the new contract with Rand Machine on Allen Street.  Langworthy says -- "this major contract is fantastic news for Rand Machine and the Southern Tier.  Not only does it underscore the outstanding work of one of our local job creators, but it also invests in our economy and strengthens our manufacturing sector." 


Hepatitis A case at Cracker Barrell Rest. in Erie leads to advisory from Co. Health Dept...
The Chautauqua County Health Department has been informed about a confirmed case of hepatitis A in a person who works at the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Erie, Pa.  Health officials say the Erie County Department of Health says the eatery... located as 7810 Interstate Dr. in Erie... is following cleaning and employee health guidelines provided by their corporate management and by the Health Department.  Any customers who consumed food and or drinks prepared at the restaurant on Feb. 12-21 are being urged to get the vaccine as soon as possible after potentially being exposed.  Consult your doctor, primary care provider, pharmacy, or the local Health Department to discuss your potential exposure.  For more information... contact the county Health Department at 753-4491. 

WJTN News Headlines for Mon., Feb. 26, 2024

Unsafe use of heating implements blamed for Celoron house and garage fire...
The unsafe using of heating implements is listed as the cause of yesterday afternoon's huge fire destroyed a large garage... and, extensively damaged a home in the village of Celoron.  Celoron firefighters were called to the scene at 21 N. Allegheny Ave. shortly before 3 p.m.  Fire Chief Jamison Justham says first crews on the scene found the garage heavily-engulfed in flames... and, black smoke billowing high into the air.  Justham says there was initially some mild exposure to the house... but, then the flames pushed into the house... and, even set some small grass fires around that area.  Justham says it took about two-hours to snuff out the fires.  No significant injuries were reported.  Justham says the home is likely going to be a total loss... and this morning was reported as such.  Celoron was joined at the scene by crews from Lakewood... Busti... Fluvanna... Bemus Point... Ashville...Panama... Falconer... Lander, Pa., and, the County FAST Team.  


Six arrested following alleged robbery, assault and unlawful imprisonment in Jamestown...
Six people -- five from Jamestown and one from Buffalo -- face charges after allegedly robbing, assaulting and holding a victim against their will on the city's northside last week.  Jamestown police say they were called to 326 Stowe St. for a "well-being check" shortly before 8 p.m. last Wednesday.  Prior to arrival... officers were told that a man was being held inside the home after being robbed and assaulted.  Several minutes after police arrived... the male victim exited the residence with two other men.  They say the male victim had several facial injuries, and he was taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment.  Officers found that one of the two men who came out with the victim was one of the people that had robbed and assaulted him.  That suspect was identified as 41 year-old Benjamin Preston of Jamestown... who was arrested and taken to the city jail.  Officers were also told there were other suspects inside the residence who were involved.  Police called several times for them to surrender... but, they did not.  A warrant was executed by the JPD SWAT Team.  Inside... officers arrested Dwayne Lowery of Buffalo... along with Anthony Wallace... Scott Eddy... Ramsey Huddleston... and, Jhaszmine Mitchell... all of Jamestown along with another female victim.  All six were taken to the city jail on charges including second-degree robbery... and unlawfull imprisonment... third-degree assault... fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.  They were held pending arraignment.


Jamestown man arrested for allegedly holding woman against her will during southside domestic incident...
A city man is accused of holding a woman against her will... and, hitting her multiple times during a weekend domestic incident on Jamestown's southside.  City police were called to the location shortly after 8 a.m. Saturday... and, spoke with the victim and the suspect -- identified as 35 year-old Hector Guevara.  While investigating... police say Guevara tried to push his way by an officer and leave the scene.  He was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.  Officers say they found that Guevara had struck the woman multiple times... would not let her leaving the resident... and, took away her cell phone while she was trying to call 9-1-1 for help.  Guevara was jailed pending arraignment on charges including second-degree unlawful imprisonment... fourth-degree criminal mischief... second-degree harassment... and, second-degree obstructing governmental administration.


City woman faces felony charges following assault and theft...
A Jamestown woman faces several felony charges after assaulting a woman... then stealing her cellphone and car during a domestic incident.  City police were called to a southside address just after 7 PM last Friday... and, found an adult, and two juvenile victims.  Officers say their investigation found that 38 year-old Serena Ellis had struck the adult victim in the face... and, then restrained the victim and forcibly stole the victim's cell phone. Police say Ellis then stole the victim's vehicle and fled the scene.  They say the two juvenile victims were in close proximity to Ellis and the victim when the incident occurred.  While still at the scene... an officer saw Ellis return to the scene.  While an officer attempted to arrest Ellis... she physically resisted and caused injury to an officer.  After a struggle with officers... Ellis was taken into custody and taken to the city jail on charges including second-degree robbery, and unlawful imprisonment... third-degree grand larceny... two counts of endangering the welfare of a child... resisting arrest... and, unnecessary noise.


Jamestown man arrested for allegedly holding woman against her will during southside domestic incident...
A city man is accused of holding a woman against her will... and, hitting her multiple times during a weekend domestic incident on Jamestown's southside.  City police were called to the location shortly after 8 a.m. Saturday... and, spoke with the victim and the suspect -- identified as 35 year-old Hector Guevara.  While investigating... police say Guevara tried to push his way by an officer and leave the scene.  He was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.  Officers say they found that Guevara had struck the woman multiple times... would not let her leaving the resident... and, took away her cell phone while she was trying to call 9-1-1 for help.  Guevara was jailed pending arraignment on charges including second-degree unlawful imprisonment... fourth-degree criminal mischief... second-degree harassment... and, second-degree obstructing governmental administration.


Molitor announces run for 150th Dist. Assembly seat...
A north county Republican who has served as First Assistant District Attorney in Chautauqua County has announced he's running for the 150th District Assembly seat.  Andrew Molitor last weekend announced he is running to succeed current Assemblyman Andy Goodell... who announced last week that he's not seeking another term.  Goodell's seventh-term will end on Dec. 31 of this year.  Molitor has been a prosecutor for the past 10 years... and, he also supports an agenda to cut taxes... curb government spending... and, redouble efforts to make New York more business-friendly.  The Post-Journal also reported late last week that former Fredonia Mayor, Doug Essek, is also seeking the GOP nomination to run for the Assembly.  One Democrat... Fredonia's Michael Bobseine... recently announced he is running for the seat this Fall.


Green Tie Affair in Celoron a big success...
It was a familiar sound... at a new location Sunday night as auctioneer Dakota Peterson was getting bids for a pie at the 10th annual 4-H Green Tie Affair, held for the first time at the Harbor Hotel in Celoron.  Chautauqua County Four-H Lead Educator, Lindsey Cresanti, estimated they had surpassed their $10,000 goal for the amount earned for the youth service program.  Meeder says success at the Green Tie dinner is essential to keep 4-H programs going in Chautauqua County.  There was a $1,000 pie that was a cherry pie, purchased by Pete James of Chautauqua Transportation, in honor of his late wife Bonnie, whom he meet at the county fair.  
 

WJTN News Headlines for Thurs-Fri., Feb. 22-23, 2024

Buffalo man arrested following shooting incident in Jamestown...
A Buffalo man has been arrested in Jamestown for allegedly shooting off a gun a half-dozen times at a car after he became enraged at the people inside the vehicle.  Jamestown police say they were called to the area of Beechview and Clyde Avenues shortly after 10 a.m. Thursday for a reported shooting incident.  Officers say they found that 47 year-old Javier Baez was driving a vehicle in the area of Falconer Street... and, at the time... the initial victim was also in the area.  Police say Baez chased the victim... who had two passengers inside their vehicle... in the area of Beechview and Clyde.  That's where where Baez allegedly displayed a pistol and fired at least six shots at the victim's vehicle, striking it several times.  However... no one was hurt inside.  Baez then fled the area in his car.  Police worked during the day to identify the suspect... and later found Baez at a home on Bush Street.  He was arrested... and, police located a 9-mm handgun with a large capacity feeding device.  Baez was charged with one count each of second and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon... criminal possesion of a firearm... and, three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment.  He was jailed pending arraignment.


Goodell announces he's retiring at conclusion of current term at end of 2024...
New York State Assemblyman Andy Goodell has announced that he will be retiring from the Assembly at the end of this year.  Goodell... who was first elected to the chamber in 2011... was re-elected in 2022 with more than 72% of the vote.  The Jamestown-area Republican says -- in a printed statement this morning --"I am extremely thankful to have been given the opportunity to represent Chautauqua County and a portion of the Seneca Nation.  It was an opportunity of a lifetime, for which I am very grateful."  Goodell has also been Minority Floor Leader since 2018.  He thanked several others for their support... advice and counsel... and gave a special thanks to his wife, Lisa, for her support through the years.


Jamestown man arrested during GIVE Detail investigation...
A city man has been arrested during a Domestic Violence Detail on Jamestown's southside early last evening.  City police says a Gun-Involved Violence Enforcement -- or GIVE -- Detail conducted a check on a home shortly after 7:30 p.m., to locate 27 year-old James Carter.  Officers say Carter was sought on several Felony domestic violence-related warrants.  When they arrived... police spotted Carter trying to leave the house... but, then he ran back inside.  Police then found there was an order of protection for Carter to stay away from the woman living there.  Officers made contact... and, were able to take him into custody without further incident.  Carter is charged with first-and second-degree criminal contempt... first-degree burglary... aggravated criminal contempt... third-degree assault... endangering the welfare of a Child... and fourth-degree criminal mischief.  He was jailed pending arraignment.


Quattrone to tour southern U.S. border for first hand look at migrant crisis...
With security at the U.S. Southern border as one of the main concerns among the law enforcement community... Chautauqua County's top law enforcement official will be making a trip to the border to see the activity there firsthand.  Sheriff Jim Quattrone says he will travel to Cochise County, Arizona after he and other members of the New York State Sheriffs' Association were in Washington, D.C. for a briefing from FBI Director Christopher Wray.  Quattrone says the concern is not necessarily immigration policy, but people who cross the border at various checkpoints.  He says the "got-aways" are a big concern, especially with the Mexican drug cartels wielding a lot of power in helping people get across the border.  Quattrone says he wants to be able to get better informed on what's going on there and relay the information back to local residents and letting them know how they can be safe without instilling fear or creating problems for those who are here legally.


City man arrested for contempt after "unwanted male" incident...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly violating an order of protection during an investigation into an "unwanted male" at a northside home late Tuesday night.  Jamestown police say they were called to the scene shortly before Midnight... and, when they arrived... found a man trying to hide behind a neighbor's house.  They identified the man as 47 year-old Gary Dean, Jr., who had orders to stay away from the woman and a child living at the address they responded to.  Dean was taken into custody on two counts of Felony first-degree criminal contempt... and, taken to the city jail pending arraignment.


Warren, Pa. man arrested in Jamestown on drug charges...
A Warren, Pa. man has been arrested on drug possession charges following a traffic stop on Jamestown's southside late Tuesday night.  City police say members of the Violence Interdiction Unit conducted the stop in the area of Barrett and Prather Avenues for traffic violations shortly before 11 p.m.  Officers identified the driver as Richard Eck, Jr., and, through their investigation police say Eck consented to a search of the car.  During that search... officers say they located a quantity of methamphetamine and two Buprenorphine... and, Naloxone Sublingual Films.  Eck was arrested without incident on two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  He was later issued an appearance ticket for city court.
 

WJTN News Headlines for Wed., Feb. 21, 2024

Jamestown man arrested after menacing woman with a knife on southside...
A city man has been arrested for allegedly threatening a woman with an exacto knife... and, chasing her down a Jamestown street with it as she was trying to get away.  City police were called to the area of Foote Avenue and Harrison Street about 10:30 a.m. Monday for a domestic incident.  Officers say they found that 37 year-old Douglas Puckett had threatened the woman... then chased after her.  Police took Puckett into custody... and, charged him with one count of second-degree menacing... and, two counts of second-degree harassment..  He was taken to the city jail pending arraignment.


Rise of women's sports highlighted during Hall of Fame induction dinner...
The rise of women's sports... driven by Title-9 more than a half-century ago... was quite evident at Monday night's Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame induction dinner.  Five of the nine inductees honored at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club were women.  Each told stories about how the addition of girl's and women's sports helped them... and, emphasized how important family support is.  Former Fredonia High School wrestling stand-out and college coach Carlene Sluberski added it even goes beyond sports... and, says she's thankful for the coaches she had that believed wrestling was a "way of life."  The most amazing story told was that of 97-year-old national masters swimming champion Judy Young... who wasn't able to compete in formal competitions until she was in her 60s.  She recalled the day where girls took part in gym class... but, had no formal sports programs to be part of.  The other women inductees included Division-1 College track-and-field individual champion Karen Bakewell... and local runner Cheryl Miller-Burns.  The fifth was Deaf Olympic champion Karen Tellinghuisen.  The men included long time Westfield High School baseball coach Doug Kaltenbach... and, stock car racing champion Rod Maloy.  The late Tom D'Angelo and the late Danny Bryner were honored postumously.


Son of CSHOF inductee Tom D'Angelo comments on need for more civility towards game officials...
The Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame has prided itself on recognizing athletes and officials as part of the local hall.  However... finding enough officials to referee or umpire games from little league... to midget football... and, high school sports has become increasingly difficult.  Sometimes it's because of overly aggressive parents -- and others -- that drives people away.  Also... expressing a little appreciation can go a long ways.  That from Tim D'Angelo... whose father Tom... was inducted for his work as an official... and, umpire.  He says players and coaches should at least say thank-you to the officials after the games.  Tim D'Angelo also noted that most officials do it for love of the sport... and, get very little if any compensation.  His father was also a terrific local bowler for many years.  However... Tim says they always knew him for his officiating work... and, knew people really liked the way he officiated.  Tom D'Angelo joins a group of 11 officials who are in the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame... which include the late Roger McTavish... Larry Rogers... Jack Fulford... and Joe Nalbone... and, the retired Paul Cooley.


Two men arrested for allegedly giving false statements to police during investigation...
Two men have been arrested in the north county after allegedly giving police false information about an investigation underway in the town of Villanova.  Sheriff's officers say deputies were investigating an incident on Dye Road from Feb. 11, and, took written statements from 43 year-old James Lewellyn of Angola... and 50 year-old Ricky Vento of Forestville.  However... during the investigation... officers found both men provided the false information... and, they were arrested.  Both men were charged with making a punishable false written statement... and, issued appearance tickets for Villenova Town Court.


City man arrested for shoplifting...
A Jamestown man faces a petty larceny charge following an alleged shoplifting incident at the Family Dollar Store in Brooklyn Square.  City police were called to the scene at 41 South Main Street shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday... but, were told 24 year-old Malik Lathan had fled the store with the merchandise... and, was headed to a North Main Street address.  Officers say they found Lathan... who matched a description police were given... and, he was taken into custody.  A witness also confirmed the suspect was Lathan and he was charged... and later released with an appearancet ticket for city court.


Gerry Rodeo receives high honor at National Rodeo Finals in Vegas...
Last Summer's 78th annual Gerry Rodeo was one of the best yet... and, has received an award for it.  That from Rodeo officials... as they looked back on the four-day event... that drew more than 11,000 fans through the gates for the eight action-filled events.  Rodeo Spokesman Paul Cooley says more than 3,000 beef barbeque dinners were also served.  During the "off season..." Cooley says Rodeo Chairman Tom Atwell traveled to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in... where the Gerry Rodeo received third place in the “Best Footing” competition in the entire "First Frontier Circuit."  This award is given by the Women’s Professional Cowgirls Association to the rodeo committee providing the best rodeo arena conditions to protect the horses and riders in the barrel racing event.  This year Rodeo will be held from July 31 through Aug. 3.  For more information... go on-line to gerryrodeo.org.

WJTN News Headlines for Tues., Feb. 20, 2024

Schumer, Langworthy at Barcelona Harbor to announce $7.5-Million to repair harbor breakwater...
With Barcelona Harbor at his back... U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced today that he has secured $7.5-million in the Senate's 2024 budget proposal for repairs to the harbor's breakwall.  Schumer was joined by Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendell... and, local Congressman Nick Langworthy for the announcement... which the New York Democrat says "builds on the millions" he delivered in 2022 for dredging projects at Barcelona... Dunkirk Harbor... and, Cattaraugus Creek.  With final negotiations underway on the budget... Schumer says he's pushing to protect this funding in the final spending bills.  Specifically... he says the funding will be used to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restore Barcelona Harbor to "full functionality" by repairing the west breakwater... evaluating sediment management measures... and, dredging the harbor... all of which he says is "critical for the local tourism and jobs that rely on the harbor in Westfield."  Langworthy says he's "proud to advocate for an additional $6-million in federal resources to complete a needed breakwall to protect the harbor, which passed as part of the House’s Energy and Water Appropriations bill last October."


City man arrested for violating burn ordinance, and drug possession...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly violating the city's burn ordinance by starting a fire inside a tent on the city's northside... and, being in possession of drugs.  Jamestown police say a patrol in the area spotted the fire coming from the tent... which was between two houses... shortly after 4 a.m. last Friday.  Officers found that 42 year-old Marcelino Hernandez had started the fire which violated the city code for Prohibited Burning within the city.  While police spoke with Hernandez... they conducted a search... and, found him in posession of quantities of methamphetamine... cocaine... suboxone... and, packaging materials.  He was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... four counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia... and, violating the city code prohibiting burning.


Southside traffic stop in Jamestown leads to drug seizure...
An early morning traffic stop on Jamestown's southside has led to the arrest of a woman who was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  City police say they stopped a car at the intersection of Newland Avenue and Harvard Street for a traffic violation just before 4 a.m., and, saw the drug paraphernalia in plain view inside of the vehicle.  Further investigation found that 41 year-old Jamie Warner was in possession of the meth... and, she was arrested for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, multiple traffic violations.  Warner was taken to the city jail pending arraignment.


Quattrone expresses concerns over new proposed jail visitation legislation...
A bill that would mandate "full contact" visitation at local correctional facilities is being considered by the New York state legislature as they debate a new budget.  Chautauqua County's top cop is keeping an eye on the bill... which would amend New York's correction law to establish a visiting program for inmates.  It would require those facilities to "give incarcerated people opportunities for personal contact with their relatives, children, friends...and other persons" during evening and weekend hours.  Sheriff Jim Quattrone says the state Sheriff's Association has concerns about that... and, wants to meet with lawmakers to see if they can find some common sense changes.  Right now... Quattrone says his department already offers visitation during the week.  As for "full contact" visits... he says they do allow some of that at the jail in Mayville.  However... he has concerns over allowing more access... and, visitors bringing contraband into the jail.


Goodell announces committee assignments for 2024 legislative session...
Local Assemblyman Andy Goodell is again serving in a number of positions, and committee's this year at the State Capitol in Albany.  The Jamestown-area Republican is again one of the top Minority members of the legislature this year... being Minority leader Pro-Temp... which is basically Floor Leader for the day when the minority leader can't be there.  Goodell says it's given him the chance to speak on the floor of the Assembly on legislation of importance to local residents.  He's also on the Social Services and Government Operations Committees. 


Nine newest CSHOF Inductees celebrated at annual induction dinner...
The newest nine members of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame were officially inducted during last night's annual dinner at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club.  The majority were women for the first time in the Hall of Fame's history.  One of them was Karen Bakewell... who locally made a name for herself with the Chautauqua Striders.  However... Bakewell --  who now lives in Fairport, NY -- competed nationally in college... and, won an individual, Division-One title.  Bakewell says she's grateful and honored to be inducted with this class.  A wide range of sports were represented at the dinner... with Watts Flats' Rod Maloy being inducted for his accomplishments in auto racing.  Maloy won back-to-back Stateline-Eriez Speedway Super Late Model championships in 2001 and 2002.  Back to the women... 97 year-old national champion master swimmer Judy Young was inducted last night... 11 years after her son, Jim was inducted into the same local Hall of Fame.  Doug Kaltenbach... Cheryl Miller-Burns... Carlene Sluberski and Deaf Olympian Karen Tellinghuisen... were also on hand.  Family accepted awards for the late Tom D'Angelo... and the late Daniel Bryner.

WJTN News Headlines for Mon., Feb. 19, 2024

City man arrested for violating Jamestown burn ordinance, and possessing illegal drugs...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly violating the city's burn ordinance by starting a fire inside a tent on the city's northside... and, being in possession of drugs.  Jamestown police say a patrol in the area spotted the fire coming from the tent... which was between two houses... shortly after 4 a.m. last Friday.  Officers found that 42 year-old Marcelino Hernandez had started the fire which violated the city code for Prohibited Burning within the city.  While police spoke with Hernandez... they conducted a search... and, found him in posession of quantities of methamphetamine... cocaine... suboxone... and, packaging materials.  He was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... four counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... second-degree criminally using Drug Paraphernalia... and, violating the city code prohibiting burning.


Four arrested on drug charges following warrant check in Panama...
A warrant check on a Panama home last Saturday afternoon led to the arrests of four people on drug and weapons related charges.  Sheriff's officers say they initially took 41 year-old William Curry, Jr. into custody at 6803 Route 474 about 1:30 p.m., but, then acquired a search warrant for the home, and, found 47 year-old Harry Radke of Conewango Valley... 35 year-old Dennis Cash, Jr. of Dewittville... and, 37 year-old Jared Gilbert of Mayville.  Sheriff's Department Narcotics Investigators... and, Dunkirk Police assisted with the investigation... and, police found 13.1 grams of methamphetamine, scales and packaging for the distribution of narcotics... as well as an assault rifle that had been reported stolen.  All four subjects were charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... second-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, second-degree criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.  All four were jailed pending centralized arraignment. 


Quattrone concerned over proposal for more "full contact" jail visitation...
As state budget talks continue in Albany... Chautauqua County's top cop is keeping an eye on a bill that would amend New York's correction law to establish a visiting program for inmates.  It would require state and local correctional facilities to "give incarcerated people opportunities for personal contact with their relatives, children, friends...and other persons" during evening and weekend hours.  Sheriff Jim Quattrone says it's something his department already does, but this legislation would also require a full contact visit.  He has two concerns with that: especially because it can allow for more contraband to be brought into the jails.  Quattrone says they want more clarification on that.  Quattrone... who is First-Vice President of the New York State Sheriffs' Association... says they have offered to meet with state legislators to discuss how they can maintain safety in jails.


Even without ice castle, Mayville Winter Festival is deemed a success...
There were some challenges... but the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce says its Winter Festival in Mayville over the weekend was a success.  Coordinator Shannon Biekarck with the Mayville-Chautauqua Chamber says for not have the castle, but, some crazy cold weather, she felt it was successful.  Biekarck thanked residents for coming out.  With a wide open Chautauqua Lake... the signature feature of the Winter Festival… an ice castle… was absent for the second year in a row.  There were around two dozen other activities at Lakeside Park in Mayville between Friday and Sunday, with excellent participation in the polar plunge and the pet parade, along with a huge crowd on hand for the Saturday night fireworks.  The County Chamber’s Director of Marketing and Communication, Sheila Webster, thanked everyone who made the weekend possible... namely sponsors and volunteers. 


Two Jamestown women arrested on drug charges following eastside traffic stop...
Two women have been arrested following a traffic stop on Jamestown's eastside last Friday night led to the seizure of drugs and weapons.  City police say members of their Violence Interdiction Team... and, K-9 Unit conducted the stop in the area of Falconer and Grant Streets shortly before 10 p.m. for alleged traffic infractions.  During the stop... officers found that 28 year-old Kylah Seiberg... and, 40 year-old Janice Rogers... were both in possession of quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine... a quantity of cash... and, a throwing star.  Police also found that Seiberg has previously been convicted of a crime... leading to her being charged with felony third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  She was also charged with third and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Rogers was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... one of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  Both were jailed pending arraignment.


Borrello says redrawn Congressional boundary map appears fair, but, still raises concerns...
New York State's Independent Redistricting Commission has approved a new congressional re-districting map for the state... and, it includes some minor changes to what was used for the 2022 elections.  The bipartisan commission okayed the map by a 9-1 vote late last week... and, it remains subject to approval by the State Legislature.  While he hasn't taken a close look at the proposed map yet... State Senator George Borrello says it appears to be a fair one, but he is concerned about a projected loss of GOP representation.  Borrello says there is a minor change to the 23rd Congressional District, which includes Chautauqua County.  The previous map was redrawn after the state Court of Appeals in December rejected the map that was drawn by a special master in 2022.


 

WJTN News Headlines for Fri., Feb. 16, 2024

One person arrested following pair of day-time drug raids in Jamestown....
A Jamestown man faces a number of drug-related charges following a Noon-time raid today on his home on the city's northside... and another a few doors away.  City police say members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 850 Prendergast Ave. with the help of the JPD SWAT Team.... and, found 45 year-old Ramon Nieves-Fagot.  Once the residence was secured, detectives searched and found 93 individual baggies of fentanyl... 18 vials of cocaine... 30 Tramadol Hydrochloride pills... and, $339 in cash.  He's charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... one count of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and one count of second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia.  At the same time... Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Investigators executed a search warrant on the lower apartment at 854 Prendergast Ave. with the help of their SWAT Team.  Police say the residence was unoccupied but charges are pending. 


Perrysburg man arrested for town of Portland altercation involving three other people...
A man from Perrysburg is accused of breaking into a home in the town of Portland late Wednesday night... and, getting into a physical altercation with three people there.  Sheriff's deputies were called to the unidentified location just after 11 p.m., and, found that 30 year-old Clint Cathot had unlawfully entered the residence... and stayed there while assaulting the three individuals.  Cathot was found a short time later... and, arrested for first-degree burglary... third-degree assault... third-degree attempted assault... and, second-degree harassment.  He was taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment.


Man from Mayville arrested on drug-related charges in Ripley...
A Mayville man has been arrested on drug-related charges following a check on a person's well-being in the town of Ripley.  Sheriff's deputies say they also found that 34 year-old James Mawhir was sought on a Jamestown City Court warrant.  Officers say they were recently called to a business address in Ripley... and, during the investigation... became aware of the warrant for Mawhir's arrest.  They took him into custody... and, a search of his vehicle led to the seizure of a quantity of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  Mawhir was taken to the Jamestown Police Department... where he was arraigned on his charges and released.  He was also issued appearance tickets for Ripley Town Court and released pending a future court appearance.


City woman found with illegal drugs after allegedly giving police a fake name...
A Jamestown woman is accused of drug possession following a larceny investigation in the area of East Fifth Street.  City police were called to the scene shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday... and located one of the suspects --  35 year-old Jacklyn Long -- in the area of Bemus and Kinney Streets.  Long is also accused of giving police another person's name... and, she was charged with second-degree criminal impersonation.  They later found her in possession of a quantity of Fentanyl... and, she was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Long was also jailed pending arraignment for previously failing to appear in court on other charges.


Borrello helps introduce legislation reversing "Sanctuary State" status...
State legislature Republicans have introduced legislation to reverse New York's "sanctuary state" policies they say have exacerbated the migrant crisis in the state.  Among other things... the legislation would require local and state law enforcement agencies and certain courts to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement -- or ICE -- officials of the arrest or conviction of non-citizens.  State Senator George Borrello backs the measure, calling it "common sense."  Borrello says the migrant crisis is the number one concern in most areas of the state, and he's calling for leaders on the other side of the political aisle to step up.  He adds Governor Kathy Hochul could change the policy with the "stroke of her pen."  The Sunset Bay Republican says the proposed legislation would reinstate the 365-day maximum sentence for a Class A misdemeanor... and, would repeal the Protect our Courts Act of 2020... which state GOP lawmakers say was designed to discourage cooperation and enforcement of federal immigration laws.


Many activities planned for this weekend's Mayville Winter Festival...
A full weekend of activites are planned for the annual Mayville Winter Festival... which begins tonight and runs through Sunday afternoon at Lakeside Park.  But... regardless... Mayville/Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce... and, Festival Chairman Brian Pender says there's still a lot to do even if there's no snow... or cold weather.  Pender says there's no ice castle this year... but, he adds there will be a replica castle lighting at 6 tonight... and, starting Saturday... they'll have 25 vendors on hand... along with five food trucks.  Pender says they'll also have a beer and wine tent... and, adds some of the events will be a "bit weather dependent."  He says activities on Saturday begin at 10 a.m., with the Polar Plunge at Noon.  The annual fireworks display will take place Saturday at 8 p.m., and is being provided by Skylighters of New York... and, is being sponsored by the town of Chautauqua this year.  Pender says they "really stepped up their contribution this year."  Sunday's activites begin at 10 a.m., with a 5K run put on by Trackqua... and, a volleyball tournament.  For more information on the Winter Festival... go on-line to chautauquachamber.org/winter-festival.

WJTN News Headlines for Thurs., Feb. 15, 2024

BPU GM reports only one of five divisions has a rate hike for 2024; updates water main replacement projects...
Only one of the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities' five divisions is seeing a rate increase in 2024.  That from BPU General Manager Dave Leathers... who gave a quarterly update for the City Council this week.  Leathers told lawmakers that was for the wastewater division.  However... he says a couple of others saw some other charges increase... including water service connections... and, the electric division was looking at a possible fuel charge adjustment.  Leathers says the Water Division is moving into Phase-Two of it's Water Main Replacement Grant program.  Leathers says they are looking to see how much of their $5-million grant remains... and, will then put the projects out to bid.  He says Phase-One was on Washington Street.  He says there are five streets in Phase-Two... which will include: West Virginia Blvd... Glenview... Mercury Lane... and, West 18th Street.  Leathers also told the City Council that there have been four water main breaks so far in 2024 after coming off what may have been a record low number in 2023.  He says the BPU has also been producing a significant amount of power in recent months using the power plant's gas turbine.


State Legislature looking at bill that could end parents of Foster kids having to pay for their care... 
A bill in the New York State Legislature could alter how the foster care system operates in the state, by ending the requirement that parents have to pay for their child’s stay in foster care.  New York collected more than $2-million in 2021 from low-income parents with kids in foster care.  These so-called "maintenance payments" include a 9% interest rate.  Jill Berrick, a University of California Berkeley professor who tracks this issue, notes half of these families make less than $10,000 per year... which means they may be handing over $10 to $100 a month which could turn their finances upside down."  Berrick adds the bill faces little opposition, with many in the child welfare system supporting it.  If it doesn't pass... Berrick notes taxpayers will continue footing the bill for most payments, since parents aren’t usually able to make them.  California, Michigan, Montana and Washington have already taken action to end systems like this.  The bill is now in the New York Senate Judiciary Committee.


Gerry man arrested for speedking and DWI...
A man from Gerry has been arrested for allegedly driving drunk and speeding on Route 60 in the town of Gerry last weekend.  Sheriff's deputies say they stopped the car shortly after 10 p.m. last Saturday... and, found that 28 year-old Devin Parker was operating the vehicle.  Officers say he was found to be driving while intoxicated... and, was arrested.. and, issued appearance tickets for speeding, and DWI for Gerry Town Court.


CSHOF Induction Dinner now a sell-out...
Next Monday night's Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame induction dinner is now a sell-out.  Hall of Fame President Randy Anderson tells us they have sold 350 tickets for the annual event at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club on Feb. 19.  Anderson says the Class of 2024 includes nine new inductees... from many different backgrounds... and for the first time... the majority of them are women.  They are Karen Bakewell... Cheryl Miller-Burns... Carlene Sluberski... Karen Tellinghuisen... and, Judy Young.  The male inductees include the late Danny Bryner... Tom D'Angelo... Doug Kaltenbach... and, Rod Maloy.  Anderson says this is the 42nd group of inductees since the Hall of Fame was established in 1981.


Langworthy announces bipartisan letter writting effort to EPA regarding farm manure emissions...
Chautauqua County's Congressman is leading a bi-partisan letter writting effort... urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to refrain from considering  the reporting of certain substances emitted into the air by the natural break-down of animal manure.  Buffalo-area Republican Nick Langworthy is among those signing the letter to EPA Secretary Michael Regan to not consider the rule... which he says would add significant red tape for farmers and ranchers in an industry that is already heavily-regulated.  Langworthy says the letter is co-led by Democratic Congressman Jim Costa of California, and has been signed by a bi-partisan coalition of 44 additional members.   Republican Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson, who represents Warren County, Pa., has also signed onto the letter.


Rep. Rapp announces more than half-a-million dollars in fire and rescue grants for Warren, Crawford, and Forest County departments...
Fire and ambulance companies in Pennsylvania's 65th Legislative District... including several in Warren County... are receiving just over $566,000 in state grants.   That from Republican State Representative Kathy Rapp... who says the funding will come from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency... and, the Office of the State Fire commissioner.  Rapp says most of the grants are going to Warren County fire-rescue entities... and, total between $13,000 and $16,000 each.  The city of Warren is receiving just over $31,000 between two grants.  Rapp also represents parts of Crawford and Forest Counties.   

    

WJTN News Headlines for Wed., Feb. 14, 2024

UTV operator killed in Villenova crash last weekend is identified...
A Westfield man has now been identified as the person killed in last Saturday night's fatal, Utility Terrain Vehicle crash in the town of Villenova.  Sheriff's officers say 64 year-old William Shreve was operating the UTV just after 11:30 p.m. when the vehicle went off Dye Rd., and, slammed into a tree.  Deputies say Shreve was the only person in the vehicle when it crashed... and, he died at the scene.


Mayville Winter Festival set to be held President's Day Weekend...
Final preparations are underway in the village of Mayville for one of the biggest winter festivals in Western New York.  The annual Mayville Winter Festival is slated for this coming Presidents' Day weekend, Feb. 16-18 at Lakeside Park.  Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Heitzenrater says there will be plenty of offerings available for those in attendance... even though there won't be an ice castle.  Heitzenrater says... the past few years... the chamber has worked hard with the Mayville/Chautauqua Chamber to put together a festival full of activites that's not as dependent on an ice castles.  Heitzenrater says there will be no traditional ice castle at this year's event due to unseasonably warm temperatures that's led to a lack of ice on Chautauqua Lake.  However... Festival Chairman Brian Pender says they do have a backup plan in place... with a wooded castle they debuted a few years ago.  The rest of the weekend will feature 25 vendors, several food trucks, a polar plunge, live music and a fireworks display, among several other activities.  The festival was started about 50 years ago by Pender's grandfather, the late Don Hogan.


Pair of women arrested following traffic stop in Jamestown...     
Two women have been arrested on drug-related charges stemming from a weekend traffic stop on Jamestown's southside.  City police say their Violence Interdiction Unit conducted the stop near the intersection of Newland and Barrett Avenues late last week for a traffic infraction.  Officers say they found both 44 year-old Sandra Pavlock... and, 35 year-old Kelsey Staszewski in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine.  Both women were taken into custody without incident... and, taken to the city jail where police located another 13.6-grams of meth in Pavlock's possession.  She ws charged with third-degree criminal possession of a Controlled Substance... and, was jailed pending arraignment.  Staszewski was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a Controlled Substance... along with traffic citations.  She was issued an appearance ticket for city court.


Borrello among state legislature Republicans calling for more study of electric powered buses before mandate kicks in...
New York State Republican lawmakers are looking to "pump the brakes" on the state's implementation of its electric school bus mandate.  During a Monday press conference in Albany... they unveiled proposals to allow for the completion of a pilot program, cost-benefit analysis and other feasibility assessments.  Among the legislators was Senator George Borrello, who says school officials are "increasingly concerned" about the cost of the mandate that was enacted in 2022.  Borrello says there about 800 districts in the state that have 50,000 school buses... which he says would cost around $20-billion to convert and build all buses to be electric.  Borrello also cited other problems associated with electric vehicles, such as poor reliability and limited operability in freezing temperatures.  He says the range is only about 100 miles in ideal conditions.  Borrello... a Republican from Sunset Bay... says his proposal would allow schools to test how electric buses perform.  The electric school bus mandate requires new school bus purchases to be zero emission by 2027 and all school buses in operation to be electric by 2035.


Gas prices in Jamestown-area hold steady, while national prices goes up 5-cents...
The price for gasoline in the Jamestown-area is remaining stable this week... while the national average is up about a nickle a gallon for regular, unleaded.  That from AAA East Central's Gas Price Report... which says the local price this week is just under $3.50 a gallon.  That's virtually the same as last week... and, about 20-cents lower than a year ago.  Nationally... the price is up 5-cents to $3.19 a gallon.  Seasonal demand increases, higher costs for oil, and routine refinery maintenance have pushed pump prices higher.  AAA says the Energy Information Administration reports that the demand for gas is up... wile total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by just over 3-million barrels a day.


City man arrested for DWAI...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly being found to be driving on the city's northside while under the influence of drugs.  City police say officers spotted the vehicle... driven by 34 year-old Steven Gustafson-Solinger... on Fluvanna Avenue -- near Washington Street -- about 7 p.m. last Friday with no headlights or tailights on.  Officers say they saw that Solinger appeared to be under the influence and gave Standardized Field Sobriety Test's to which he failed.  He was taken into custody and transported to the city jail for processing.  Solinger's BAC came back .00 BAC... and, a Drug Recognition Expert then conducted a Drug Influence Evaluation.  He was charged with DWAI-Drugs and other traffic violations.


Suozzi wins NY House District 3 run-off to replace Santos...
Democrat Tom Suozzi won a special election Tuesday in New York for the U.S. House seat that was left vacant when Republican George Santos was expelled from Congress.  Suozzi defeated Republican Mazi Pilip to retake a seat he held for three terms before giving it up to run, unsuccessfully, for governor. 


 

WJTN News Headlines for Tues., Feb. 13, 2024

Goodell says Hochul's budget proposal addresses state's issues... but, not in the right way...
Chautauqua County's representative in the state Assembly says Governor Kathy Hochul has her focus on the "right issues..." but, her budget doesn't really address those problems.  Jamestown-area Republican Andy Goodell says he appreciates what the governor is trying to do... but, says "throwing money" at them doesn't solve them.  Goodell says... more funding to stem the rise in retail theft won't work if those crimes aren't going to be prosecuted.  He says that's the underlying issue that's not addressed.  Goodell says there is a housing crisis in New York state... but, says at least part of the problem is a doubling of the time in order to evict someone... which led to monitary losses.  He says landlords then had to deal with a two-year eviction moritorium during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Goodell adds that while Governor Hochul increased public education funding to $35-billion... her budget also eliminates the "hold Harmless" clause that no school district would lose foundation aid.  He says that's led to several districts losing aid in the new budget.  Hearings and debate is underway on the $233-billion spending plan... which is due by Apr. 1. 


Investigation into weekend shooting in town of Dunkirk continues... 
State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred last Saturday afternoon in the north county town of Dunkirk.  The State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at the Fredonia barracks responded to Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk shortly after 2:45 p.m. on a report of a 20-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds.  The victim was later taken to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo... and, is listed in guarded condition.  Troopers in Fredonia confirm that the shooting took place at the Lakeside Mobile Home Park on Route 5.  No other details have been released.


Thomas provides detailed report on ARPA spending, and money remaining to City Council...
The Jamestown City Council has received a full accounting of used... and, remaining funding from the city's $28.4-million in American Rescue Plan funding.  New City Comptroller Ericka Thomas provided the information in a four-page spreadsheet at last night's work session... noting there is just over $1.4-million in funding left to be used.  She says there were a couple of booking errors that had to be accounted for... and, there is about $261,000 that could be "clawed back" from the Deputy Comptoller's position.  In addition... Thomas says the city has earned a pretty good chunk of change in interest... totalling $312,000 in interest.  She says she has some additional meetings coming up with the police, fire and parks departments to go over the ARPA monies used, and remaining for their projects and other purchases.  


Schumer, and families of Flight 3407 victims commemorate 15th Anniversary of crash, reflect on ongoing battle to keep pilot training and safety measures in place...
The families of the nearly 50 victims of Colgan Air Flight 3407 commemorated the 15th anniversary of the tragic crash in Clarence Center Monday.  Family members gathered at the site for a vigil... and, also joined U.S. Senator Charles Schumer for a video press conference to advocate for keeping air training and safety standards in place as part of the Federal Aviation Administration re-authorization bill.  Schumer... who is Senate Majority Leader... praised the families for helping him keep those rules in place.  He says the measures were protected in the Senate "mark-up" of the new bill.  In fact... Schumer says since that crash on Feb. 12, 2009... there have been no major airline crashes in the United States.  In addition... one of the major provisions in the bill requires pilots to have 1,500 hours of training before flying commercial aircraft... and, that pilots have enough rest between flights.  A couple from the town of Portland were among those killed in the crash.


Backyard Bird Count pre-registration due today...
A well known local 'birder' is encouraging everyone to take time over President's Day Weekend to note the birds in their neighborhood.  Craig Thompson says the Great Backyard Bird Count is a continent-wide event that's easy to be a part of.  He says just take a walk around your home and neighborhood and count the number, and kinds of birds you see or hear in any one instance -- like you're taking a picture with your camera.  Once you're done counting, go on-line to report your results at birdcount.org.  He says you'll need to establish your own account... which is free to do.  Since February is NOT migration season, Thompson says this is the ideal time to get a tally of 'settled' bird populations. Both RTPI and the Audubon are having instructional sessions on the bird count this Saturday morning -- Feb. 17 -- at 9 a.m.  Pre-registration for either class should be done by today (Feb. 13).


Celoron man accused of hurting woman during domestic in downtown Jamestown...
A Celoron man has been arrested for allegedly breaking into a Jamestown woman's apartment... and punching her repeatedly during a domestic incident in the downtown area.  City police say they were called to the unidentified location shortly after 4 a.m. Sunday for a reported domestic dispute.  When they arrived... officers say they made contact with both the victim... and, the suspect -- 58 year-old Robert Porter, Jr.  Their investigation showed that Porter had forced his way into the apartment... and, punched the victim several times, causing injury.  He was arrested on charges including first-degree burglary... and, third-degree assault.  He was also allegedly found in possession of suboxone... and, was also charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Porter was jailed pending arraignment.


 

WJTN News Headlines for Mon., Feb. 12, 2024

One person killed in fatal, utility terrain vehicle accident in Villenova...
One person has been killed in a fatal, utility-terrain vehicle crash in the north county town of Villenova.  Sheriff's officers and members of the South Dayton Fire Department were called to the scene on Dye Road shortly before Midnight Saturday.  Deputies say their investigation showed that the Utility Vehicle had left the roadway and struck a tree.  Officers say the operator was the sole occupant of the vehicle... and, died from the accident.  No other details... including the UTV operator's name... have been released.  Deputies say the investigation is ongoing.


Boil Water Order in Fredonia lifted...
The Boil Water Order put in place after an issue at the village of Fredonia's water treatment plant late last week has now been lifted.  The Chautauqua County Health Department, in conjunction with the Village of Fredonia, announced the lifting of that order Sunday morning for all water customers inside... and outside the village's boundaries.  Officials say water leaving the treatment plant has been adequately treated since late last Thursday night... and, two consecutive days’ sample results indicate the water throughout the distribution system is safe for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, and making coffee.  They add that plumbing lines that have not been used regularly since the boil water went into effect should be flushed before water from that line is consumed.  This includes ice makers and refrigerator water dispensers.  For more information... call the village at (716) 679-2307... of the county Health Department at 753-4481.


Bobseine announces run for 150th Dist. Assembly seat...
A north county man who's been involved with local and county governments much of his life has announced that he is running for the New York State Assembly.  Fredonia Democrat Michael Bobseine made the announcement at the Labrynth Press Company in Jamestown last Saturday... noting that the 150th District has not had "real influence" in Albany for since when fellow Democrats Bill Parment and Rollie Kidder were in the Assembly.  He says the county needs a person in the majority who can work with the governor's office, and legislative leadership.  Bobseine is a former Chautauqua County Legislator... and Legislature Chairman and Majority Leader.  He's also been a school board president and member... and, most recently has been Dunkirk City Attorney.  Bobseine says it's important to have an assembly member who supports putting New York's Equal Rights Amendment on the ballot.  He adds his campaign is centered on five basic rights of each New Yorker.  The first is a good public education... second is having affordable and accessible health care.  Third is having a business... or "living wage" job.  Fourth is suitable housing... and fifth is a life in a "safe, inclusive community."
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Democratic candidate Michael Bobseine also made another pledge during his announcement in Jamestown.  He says he is taking part in New York's new Public Campaign Finance Program.  Under the program... Bobseine says his campaign is seeking contributions of $5 to $250- from "real people" that will be matched with state campaign finance dollars.  


Goodell says he will make an announcement on his status by the end of February...
Jamestown-area Republican Andy Goodell has represented Chautauqua County in the 150th Assembly District since 2011... but, has not yet formally announced any re-elections plans yet.  However... reached in Albany Monday morning... Goodell says he will be making an announcement soon because petitions have to be circulated... starting late this month.  He says he's "thoroughly" enjoyed representing the county in Albany... and, is thankful to have the voters support.  He noted that he's especially enjoyed being the Minority Leader Pro-Temp... or Floor Leader since 2018... which gives him many opportunities to represent the county.  Goodell... who is also a former County Executive... was first elected in the Fall of 2010.


City woman arrested for scissors attack during domestic incident...
A Jamestown woman has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a man during a reported domestic dispute last Saturday on the city's westside.  Jamestown police say they were called to the location about 2 p.m., and, soon after arrival, officers were able to identify the suspect as 56 year-old Helen Anderson.  Police say Anderson and the male victim got into a verbal argument that quickly turned physical... and, the victim was stabbed in the forearm with a pair of medical scissors.  Anderson was arrested for second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.... and, was first taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment of injuries she suffered during the incident.  The male victim did not have to be transported.  Anderson was treated and released... and, taken to the city jail pending arraignment.


Two arrested for faking missing person's report...         
Two people have been arrested for allegedly faking the disappearance of a juvenile girl earlier this month in the town of Sheridan.  Sheriff's officers say they were called in to investigate the alleged disappearance of the girl on Straight Road on Tues., Feb. 2.  Deputies say their investigation showed that 21 year-old  Austin Sample of Brocton, and, 26 year-old Kimberly Vannorstand of Curwensville, Pa., attempted to obstruct a missing juvenile investigation by providing false information to officers about where the girl might be.  Vannorstand is also accused of having the girl change her appearance in order to impede the investigation.  Both were charged with third-degree falsely reporting an incident.

WJTN News Headlines for Fri., Feb. 9, 2024

Two men arrested on drug charges following traffic stop in downtown Jamestown...
Two men face drug-related charges following a traffic stop on Jamestown's northside late last night.  City police say they spotted a vehicle... driven by 64 year-old Carl Yanik, Jr. of Kennedy... committing multiple traffic infractions on North Main Street.  Officers with the Violence Interdiction Unit pulled over the car near Price Street just after 11:30 p.m.  They found the passenger... 58 year-old Tyrone Harrison of Jamestown... was sought on active City Court bench warrants.  Harrison was taken into custody... and, police further searched the vehicle.  Officers say they found Yanik was in possession of a quantity of cocaine... and, Buprenorphine and Naloxone Sublingual Films.  He's faces two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a Controlled Substance... and one count each of driving an uninspected motor vehicle and inadequate plate lamps.  Harrison is charged with one count of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  He was taken to the city jail pending arraignment.  Yanik was processed... and, issued an appearance ticket for City Court.


City officials confirm closing of The Beer Snob on Jamestown's westside...
A well-known craft beer establishment in downtown Jamestown is confirmed as having closed it's doors permanently.  Reports began circulating about mid-day Thursday that The Beer Snob at 318 Washington St., inside the old historic Viking Temple building, had shut it's doors.  The business was started in November of 2018.  It's business social media accounts reportedly disappeared.  City Development Director Crystal Surdyk said... in a printed statement Thursday... that -- "The Beer Snob, located in Downtown Jamestown, has made the difficult decision to close its doors permanently.  While we are disappointed to see any business close, we respect the business owner’s decision and privacy."  She adds her office "has been in contact with the business owner, and as with any recipient of city grant funding, we will work with the business owner to recapture awarded grant funds."  The Beer Snob was awarded funding through the Jamestown Local Development Corporation in February of last year for acquisition of the building.


Gillibrand urges fellow Senators to approve Child Tax Credit reinstatement...
New York's Junior U.S. Senator is urging her Senate colleagues to approve legislation that will restore the expanded child tax credit that expired at the end of 2021.  Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand says the credit would make it easier for low-income families to qualify for the Child Tax Credit... which is part of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act... which includes the expansion... which would make it easier for families to qualify for the maximum amount possible.  Gillibrand says the credit would be $3,600 a year for each child under the age of 6 in a family with income up to $150,000 a year.  She says that credit would be reduced to $3,000 a year between ages 6 and 17.  She says the average cost savings of nearly 700-dollars a month was a major boost to families with children... improving their "overall well-being."  So far... Gillbrand says the measure received more than the 60 procedural vote needed to move onto a final vote... and, hopefully the measure will be acted on soon.  Gillibrand says the Child Tax Credit "is a lifeline for working families and one of the best tools we have for fighting child poverty."  Once the expanded credit ended at the end of 2021... she says child poverty has more than doubled nationwide.  Gillibrand says the measure would help lift an estimated 69,000 children in Western New York... and, 25,000 in the Southern Tier... out of poverty.


Fredonia Boil Water Order goes into the weekend...
A disruption in operations at the village of Fredonia water treatment plant has led Chautauqua County and village to issue a boil water order for all customers of the system.  Late Thursday morning... the county Health Department issued the boil water order... adding that the state Department of Health requires that anytime water is not adequately treated... a boil water order must be issued to notify customers.  County officials say a problem with a chlorine pump was the main problem... and, the disruption led to water that was not adequately treated getting into the distribution system.  They say the water could contain harmful microbes... and, boiling the water kills bacteria and other microbes that may be present.  All Fredonia water customers must boil water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth and making coffee until further notice.  Water should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute then cooled prior to use.  Mayor Mike Ferguson says they hope to have water samples come back clean today and tomorrow... and, being able to lift the order late Saturday or Sunday morning.  If you have questions... call the county Health Department at 753-4481.

WJTN News Headlines for Wed-Thurs., Feb. 7-8, 2024

City man arrested for riding bicycle on sidewalk, and giving JPD a false name...
A Jamestown man stopped for allegedly riding his bicycle on a sidewalk on the city's westside faces a number of charges after allegedly giving police a false name.  Jamestown police say they spotted 28 year-old James Eastham riding the bike shortly after 8  p.m. Wednesday in the area of West Sixth and Cherry Streets without proper lights.  Officers stopped Eastham... but, he gave them a family member's name believing he was wanted because he had not been meeting his probation requirements. Police were able to properly identify Eastham... and, found he did have warrants for his arrest.  He was also charged with second-degree criminal impersonation.  He was later searched... and, found in possession of a quantity of fentanyl.  Eastham was also charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... riding a bicycle on a Sidewalk and multiple traffic tickets.  He was booked and released with an appearance ticket for city court.


City man arrested following suspicious situation involving two juvenile girls...
A Jamestown man has been arrested after allegedly harassing two juvenile girls in the city's downtown early Wednesday morning.  City police were called to an unidentified business shortly after Midnight for a "suspicious male."  When officers arrived... they quickly located the two girls... who positively identified 22 year-old Fernando Rivera, who was still at the scene... as the man who had been following them for about a quarter-of a mile.  The victims say Rivera was allegedly talking to them in a way that scared them.  Police took Rivera into custody without incident... and, found there was an order of protection to stay away from one of the girls.  He was taken to the city jail on charges of second-degree criminal contempt... two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child... and, two counts of second-degree harassment.  Rivera was jailed pending arraignment.


Fulton Street fire blamed on malfunctioning space heater...
A malfunctioning space heater is the apparent cause of Tuesday morning's fire that heavily damaged the front of a home on Jamestown's northside... and, killed two pets.  City Fire Battalion Chief Ryan Rousch says fire crews were called to 215 Fulton Street just after 6 a.m. by a neighbor.  Rousch says there was heavy fire coming from the front of the structure when crews arrived.  He says the blaze was brought under control within half-an-hour.  Crews were at the scene for several hours.  Rousch says crews were able to rescue four dogs from the structure... but, another dog perished.  There were no human injuries.


Ecklund announces two part-timers hired to replace retiring city assessor...
Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund has not wasted any time deciding on how she's going to replace retiring City Assessor Lisa Volpe.  Ecklund told City Council members at Monday night's work session that she has hired two part-timers... one who's very familiar with city government... to replace Volpe.  Ecklund says one will be getting more of the hours... and both are starting this week.  He says one was involved with the city's last revaluation with GAR Associates.  Ecklund says the two new part-timers will be Heather Young-Deyell... and, Annie Golley.  She adds they will also have a third person... Kevin Okerlund... who also worked for a while in the city assessor's office coming back on a contract basis when needed.  Ecklund says the fact none of them will receive benefits will provide a cost savings.  In addition... she says they've estimating the move to the two part-timers will save between $23,000 and $25,000 a year in salaries.  The first day for the new hires will be Thursday.


City woman arrested on drug charge after walking in middle of street...
A Jamestown woman faces a drug possession charge after she was spotted walking in the middle of the road in the 600-block of Prendergast Avenue early Tuesday morning.  City police say a patrol was in that area of Prendergast shortly before 3 a.m. when they conducted a street check on 35 year-old Laura Deering and another person.  After further investigation... officers found that Deering had an active arrest warrant out of city court.  She was then taken into custody without incident.  A search of Deering turned up a quantity of methamphetamine in her possession.  She was taken to the city jail... where she was additionally charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of controlled substance.  Deering was then jailed pending arraignment.


Ticket sales for CSHOF Banquet Feb. 19 going well...
Ticket sales for the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame's Class of 2024 induction dinner Monday, Feb. 19 at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club have gone very well.  Hall of Fame President Randy Anderson says more than 300 tickets have been sold... but, there are still some available through the end of this week.  Anderson tells our Dennis Webster that each year's class is special... and, this one is no exception... with five women being inducted... and, four men.  That's the first time there have been more female athletes than males in the class.  They include 97-year old master swimmer, Judy Young.  Anderson says they're also inducting their first "Special Olympian" in the late Danny Bryner.  The Hall of Fame will also be honoring the accomplishments of several local high school teams and players... including the State Champion Chautauqua Lake Class-D Girls Volleyball.  Anderson says they'll also be recognizing the three all-state members of the Clymer/Sherman/Panama Class-D Football team.  For ticket information, call Chip Johnson at 485-6991.

WJTN News Headlines for Tues., Feb. 6, 2024

Accidental fire damages Fulton St. home in Jamestown, and kills two dogs...
Flames have extensively damaged the front part of a home on Jamestown's northside... and, killed two dogs.  City Fire Battalion Chief Ryan Rousch says firefighters were called to 215 Fulton St. just after 6 this morning by a neighbor.  Rousch says there was heavy fire coming from the front of the structure when crews arrived.  He says the blaze was brought under control in about half-an-hour.  Crews were at the scene for several hours.  Rousch says crews were able to rescue four dogs from the structure... but, two perished.  There were no human injuries.  Fire investigators say a problem with a space heater was the apparent cause.  The Department of Development has ordered an emergency demolition of the home.


City man sentenced to 10 years in state prison for Home Invasion burglary... 
A Jamestown man convicted of first-degree burglary in connection wit a home invasion in the city the day after Christmas of 2022 will spend the next 10 years in state prison.  Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt reports that 48 year-old William Buckley received the sentence for the Class-B Violent Felony Monday in County Court.  In addition... Schmidt says Buckley will also spend five-years in parole supervision once released from prison.  Schmidt says "Mr. Buckley was convicted of, and has now been sentenced on, the top count of our indictment.  No reductions or offers were made to resolve the case.  We could not have achieved this end-result without the hard work and dedication of the Jamestown Police, and the resilience and bravery of the victim in this matter."  Buckley was one of three people initially arrested in the case. 


Chautauqua County beginning renewed effort to get commercial air service back to Jamestown Airport...
A renewed effort to bring commercial air service back to the Chautauqua County Airport near Jamestown is underway... with an Air Service Recovery program.  The initiative was announced during last night's Jamestown City Council work session by County Legislature Majority Leader David Wilfong... and, County Airports Manager Shannon Fischer.  Fischer says the recovery program will mainly study what kind of support there is locally for bringing the service back.  Fischer says the data will help them make the case for restoring Essential Aif Service to the airport.  The Jamestown airport lost it's EAS designation in January of 2018 after ridership on the carrier at the time -- Southern Airways -- fell to about four passengers a day.  The EAS program required 10 a day.  However... Southern also cancelled several flights during the latter days of service... and, that helped further drive down passenger numbers.  County Executive P.J. Wendel says... while there have been a number of studies done on the airport... this is the first one designed to fully gauge interest.  Fischer says the survey will find out where people are traveling to... and, why they are going elsewhere for air service.  Wilfong noted, though, that the Essential Air Service subsidies are key to keeping airfares down... and, affordable to the general population.  


With Jefferson Project report in hand, Wendel says next steps are to develop comprehensive action plan for Chautauqua Lake...
Chautauqua County officials want to be more proactive in dealing with both weeds and algal blooms on Chautauqua Lake this year.  That from County Executive P.J. Wendel... who says he was very impressed with the detail of the more than 60-page report presented by the Jefferson Project to the legislature recently.  Wendel says one of the next steps will be to meet with federal officials about getting the Army Corps of Engineers to come in.  He says... in discussions he's had with state and federal leaders... the best action will likely be dredging out strategic areas of the lake.  Wendel says he's talked with the state Dept. of Environmental Conservation about that.  Wendel says one person -- Glen Sullivan -- and two of the lake groups will be developing a comprehensive plan to "attack" the weeds and blooms this year.  He says they're also keeping an eye on Albany because there's 16-million dollars in the governor's budget proposal for the Jefferson Project... and, the work being done in Chautauqua Lake.  Wendel made his comments for last weekend's Community Spotlight program on the six Media One Radio Group stations.


City man arrested following alleged domestic incident...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly threatening harm to another person during a domestic incident Sunday afternoon on the city's northside.  City police were called to the unidentified location just after 1 p.m. for a "disorderly person."  Officers say their investigation showed that 45 year-old Adam Ciccarella violated an order of protection.. and, threatened to physically harm the victim physically.  Ciccarella was arrested for second-degree harassment and second-degree criminal contempt.  He was taken to the city jail pending arraignment.


Doing "final mix" on Swift's Grammy-winning album nets Falconer native a sixth Grammy...
A Falconer native has won another Grammy... this time for doing the "final mix" on Taylor Swift's Grammy winning Album of the Year: "Midnights."  Randy Merrill is the son of Don and Pam Merrill... and, has now won six Grammys.  During Sunday night's 66th annual Grammy Awards on CBS... Swift thanked her producers and sound engineers and mixers for their work... naming Randy Merrill as "mastering engineer."  Retired Jamestown Community College Music Department head Mike Kelly says Randy Merrill "cut his engineering teeth" as a student assistant at JCC. 

 
 

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