It's not "everything he wanted..." but, Langworthy votes for debt ceiling bill...
With only a few days to spare... the debt ceiling deal brokered by President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has cleared the Senate. Local Congressman Nick Langworthy says he supported the measure... but, also added that it's not everything he wanted. However... he says what's happened is something that's never happened in the federal government where raising the debt ceiling was tied to cuts, or spending reductions. Langworthy says a number of items in the debt ceiling deal do "set the table" for a "better, more responsible spending and appropriations process." The Buffalo-area Republican says having some work requirements on social and welfare benefits were the "best deal we could get at this point."
Wendel addressed several issues, and concerns with county Chamber, including migrants and asylum seekers...
Jobs and economic development were among the topics discussed during Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel's annual breakfast with the county's Chamber of Commerce. However... the issue of migrants and asylum seekers coming into New York State wound up being the most discussed. During the program at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron this morning... Wendel defended the State of Emergency he recently declared to prevent New York City from literally "dumping" migrants here. He says it prohibits villages, towns and cities... along with hotels and motels... from contracting with New York City to bring migrants here. Wendel adds that Chautauqua is just one of 38 upstate counties -- governed by both Democrats and Republicans -- that have issued similar States of Emergency. He says a big factor was discussions he had with local non-profits and other agencies who have already been working with migrants... and, they said "no, we can't handle anymore."
Wendel also talks budgeting, and hints at re-election bid during chamber event...
The county is in solid financial shape heading into the start of work on the 2024 budget. That from Executive P-J Wendel, who says work really began after the current year's spending plan was adopted. Wendel says the county finally has an adequate fund balance... but, adds there will be challenges. He says, once the budget was adopted, he began thinking about the 2024 spending plan. The 2023 budget totaled just over $270-million... but, did include a 30-cent per $1,000 full value tax rate decrease. Wendel believes the future can be bright, and he's focused on the second-half of his first full-term in office. He did add, though, that he intends to run for re-election in two years.
Connecticut man arrested in north county following high-speed pursuit...
A Connecticut man faces numerous vehicle and traffic violations following a high speed pursuit on Route 20 in the town of Portland Wednesday night. Sheriff's officers say they were conducting a routine patrol when they spotted a car traveling at a high rate of speed. Deputies say they immediately turned around... and, turned on their lights and siren to make a traffic stop. However... they say the vehicle... driven by Oleksander Popadiuk of East Haven, Conn., continued speeding into the village of Fredonia. Popadiuk was taken into custody on charges including: third-degree unlawfully fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle... speed in zone... speed over 55 mph... improper passing... and, reckless driving. He was taken to the county jail pending arraignment... and was issued appearance tickets for Portland Town Court.
Dunkirk man arrested during drug bust...
A two-month long investigation into narcotics sales out of a residence on Gazelle Street in the city of Dunkirk early this morning led to the arrest of city man. Narcotics detectives from Dunkirk Police, the County Sheriff's Office... and Jamestown Police were involved in the raid about 6 a.m. That from Dunkirk Police Chief David Ortolano... who says 40 year-old Angel Castillo-Cruz was arrested for third-degree criminal posession of a controlled substance, two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. Investigators say they found 13.3 grams of fentanyl, 1.42 grams of cocaine, scales and packaging material for narcotics sales, and $305 in cash. Castillo-Cruz was jailed pending arraignment.
Panama woman arrested in Jamestown for violent assault...
A woman from Panama is accused of breaking into a home on Jamestown's northside late Wednesday... and, assaulted a person living there with a knife. City police were called to the scene about 4:30 p.m. for a reported trespass... and, spoke with the victim once they were on-scene. They learned that 41 year-old Margie Curry had unlawfully entered the victim's residence, and assaulted them... violating an order of protection. A short time later... police located Curry in the upstairs of the home. However... while trying to take her into custody... Curry resisted officers. She was eventually taken into custody... and, jailed pending arraignment on charges including first-degree burglary... second-degree assault... and, resisting arrest.
Tarp Skunks enjoy Summer-like night, win in season opener...
With sizzling sun and temperatures in the mid 80’s, it was easy to catch baseball fever Thursday night at Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. Park in Jamestown... as the Tarp Skunks opened their season. Greg Peterson, one of the principals in Jamestown Community Baseball LLC, franchise holder for the Tarp Skunks, was beaming because they had a "tremendous turnout" for the opener. The fan group known as the ‘Pew Crew’ was back as well, in their usual place behind the home team dugout. Their unofficial leader is Dennis Finnerty... who says they'll be in place for every Skunks home game this summer. Jamestown won last nigh, 7-3 over Olean.
