Wendel highlights strides made by county during State of County Address...
Chautauqua County has made strides in a number of areas over the past year... and, the county's top-elected official plans to keep up that momentum.  County Executive P.J. Wendel delivered his annual State of the County Address Tuesday morning before a large gathering at the CHQ Chamber's annual "County Executive Breakfast" in Jamestown.  Wendel says figures show that his policies have "moved the needle" economically... and is "working."  He noted that the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that over the most recent five-year periiod... the GDP grew by 29%... putting it ninth in the state of New York.  Wendel added that the median household income over the past six years rose by about $12,000.  He also touted the work underway on three new, "shovel-ready" industrial sites... including a 657-acre location in the town of Sheridan.  Once realized... he says it would be the largest one in New York state.  Wendel says the Eagle Bay project in Sheridan was recently awarded a FAST-New York grant to get site work underway.  The Lakewood Republican says the county's overall poverty rate has dropped by 2% the past decade.  A taped presentation will be made at tonight's county legislature meeting in Mayville at 6:30 p.m.

Wendel addresses homeless issue during Chamber Q-&-A after address...
County Executive Wendel also fielded several questions from the audience... and, addressed one head-on.  Concerns have been raised in a number of north and sounty county communities about the use of hotels by the state to house the homeless.  Wendel says there are economics at play as well when a hotel operator has a vacant room that goes for $120 to $130 a night.  However... he says if they take part in housing the homeless... the state pays out $101 a day.  But, he says often times the room gets trashed.  Wendel adds that when the Department of Social Services goes to look at rooms... they end up being shown one that's not occupied and is in good shape.  He says they are looking into ways to house the homeless... and provide the services they need to help them get back on their feet.  Wendel says if County DSS finds a hotel not honoring it's commitment... the residents are moved elsewhere.

Schmidt announces that city man receives 20 years in prison for death of 8-month-old girl two years ago...
A man formerly from Jamestown has been sentenced to 20 years in state prison for manslaugher in the April 2024 death of an 8-month-old girl.  Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt says 28 year-old Sean Thomas was sentenced Monday in County Court to the prison term... and, five-years post-release supervision for causing the death of Aniyah Turk.  Schmidt says Thomas had previously been indicted for second-degree murder.  However... prior to the start of his trial last December... he pled guilty to the reduced charge of second-degree manslaughter under a 20 year sentence agreement offered by D-A Schmidt's office. 
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The D-A adds that Matthew Nuttall will be sentenced on May 28 his first-degree manslaughter conviction for causing the death of a 17-month old Jamestown toddler.   Schmidt says "we are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of experienced professionals working these difficult, heartbreaking cases."
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Schmidt says in the third child homicide prosecution arising from that time period involves Ashley Bertino of Silver Creek, who is charged with the death of her 12 year old daughter, Mya.  A County Grand Jury previously charged Bertino with second-degree murder... but, that charged was later dismissed in county court on legal grounds concerning the applicability of the murder charge to the proven facts.  Schmidt is appealing that dismissal and expects argument on the appeal to be heard later this year. 

City woman arrested for allegedly harassing County worker in town of Ellicott...
A woman from Jamestown has been arrested for allegedly harassing a person from a Chautauqua County agency doing their jobs in the town of Ellicott.  Town police say they were called to a "physical altercation" back on Monday, April 13 to investigate.  Officers say they determined that 45 year-old Tina Larsen had made physical contact" with the worker... and, that the worker needed police assistance.  Larsen was arrested for second-degree harassment... and, was issued an appearance ticket for Ellicott Town Court at a later date.

Jamestown man arrested for DWI following well-being check...
A city man has been arrested for drunk driving following a late weekend "well-being" check on Jamestown's westside.  City police say they were called to the location about 4 p.m. last Sunday on a report of an intoxicated man knocking on several apartment doors at a housing complex.  As 41 year-old Joseph Grekalski was leaving the scene... police were told he was staggering while getting into his vehicle.  When officers arrived... they allegedly found Grekalski behind the wheel of a vehicle that was running.  Police say further investigation found that he was under the influence of alcohol.  Grekalski was arrested for DWI... and, held pending arraignment.

Multiple fire departments respond to garage fire in Westfield...
Several fire departments were called out to a garage fire in the Village of Westfield about mid-morning Tuesday.  Chautauqua County emergency dispatchers say the blaze was reported at 34 Washington St. just before 9:30 a.m.  Crews from Westfield got mutual aid from Ripley, Portland, North Lake, Sherman and Brocton, along with Chautauqua County Emergency Services.  The county's Fire Investigation Team was also called to the scene.