Borrello and County Office for Aging Services host Senior Fraud Prevention Workshop at SUNY JCC...
Senior fraud scams have been around for many years... but, artificial intelligence has taken it to a new level.  That was an overriding theme for the latest Senior Fraud Prevention Workshop hosted Thursday morning by State Senator George Borrello at SUNY Jamestown Community College.  A standing-room only crowd was on hand in the Lenna Theater to hear from Borrello... and, several others... about how to avoid scams.  He says AI allows fraudsters to imitate other voices to sound like a friend or relative.  Borrello says a scammer tried to get his father to send money for a sweepstakes scam... saying he was eligible to win $12-million.  The Sunset Bay Republican says he was able to stop his father before he acted on anything.  Executive Director Dana Corwin with the county's Office for Aging Services also took part... and, urged people not immediately take the bait.  Corwin says the best way to handle these situations is to "stop -- slow down -- and verify." Corwin also directed seniors to their NY Connects phone number and website to get more information.  Other panelists on hand for the workshop included State Assemblyman Andrew Molitor... and, Sheriff Jim Quattrone.

Ellicott man faces harassment and criminal mischief charges after alleged domestic violence incident...
A town of Ellicott man has now been arrested for allegedly grabbing a victim's head... and, pushing them into a closet door during a domestic incident.  Town Police say they were called to the unidentified location on Monday, Aug. 17.  Officers say their investigation determined that 40 year-old William Merecki had grabbed the person and shoved them into the closet door... damaging it.  He's also accused of damaging other property during the incident.  Merecki was taken into custody on one count each of second-degree harassment... and, fourth-degree criminal mischief.  He turned himself into Ellicott Town Court... and, was released with an appearance ticket.

Majority Republicans on County Legislature defeat latest effort to use excess undesignated fund balance to cut tax levy to zero increase... 
County lawmakers have again rejected a minority Democrat proposal to use $2-million in undesignated fund balance to eliminate a tax levy increase next year.  However... some prominent majority Republicans say they would like to see a larger reduction in 2027.  That was the outcome of Wednesday night's 8-10 defeat of the proposal by Jamestown Democrat Fred Larson.  Minority Leader Bob Bankowski of Dunkirk says... after pushing the idea the past three years... he's "excited" about the possibilities because lawmakers are talking seriously about reducing the tax levy by using more than $2-million.  Larson said it would help local taxpayers already burdened by high gas, and grocery prices.  He noted a recent comment by Westfield Republican Fred Johnson that the current, more than $31-million in fund balance is "excessive."  He wants it to be a "true rainy day" fund.  Johnson feels that amount -- if budgeted right -- could even be $10-million to $15-million.  The one Republican who supported the measure... John Penhollow... said he was doing it "reluctantly."  GOP Majority Leader Jamie Gustafson of Lakewood adds she's willing to look at that as well... and, feels it can be done in a "cooperative manner."  However... Larson later noted that the county charter says the legislature should establish goals and objectives for the budget prior to it coming out in September.  He noted that his was the only one brought forth. 
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The legislature, through, rejected a proposed amendment by Jamestown Democrat Bob Whitney to change the amount of fund balance used from $2-million to $3-million. 

Ribbon is cut on completion of Phase-2 of Wells Enterprises expansion in Dunkirk...
Wells Enterprises is celebrating a major milestone in the $425-million expansion of its facility in the City of Dunkirk.  On Thursday... representatives from Wells, New York State, Chautauqua County, and the city gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new employee center and production expansion... marking the end of Phase 2 of the four-phase project.  Wells Chief Operating Officer Nicolas Neykov says the ongoing transformation of the facility, which began in 2024, is more than just an investment in equipment.  Neykov called it an "investment in the future."  The President and Chief Executive Officer at Empire State Development, Hope Knight, says it's "incredible" seeing the expansion of the facility... and reflects confidence in the work force, and the area.  County Executive P.J. Wendel called the expansion project a "tremendous vote of confidence" in Dunkirk, the county, and the local residents and employees.  He praised the hard-working employees in attendance at the ceremony, saying they have been helpful in sustaining the plant.  Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz says the completion of Phase 2 is more than just celebrating a building -- it celebrates momentum towards a bright economic future for the city and northern Chautauqua County.  She praised the partnerships involved.  Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement, saying, "We have built incredible momentum in Chautauqua County's manufacturing sector, and the progress of this massive expansion is a historic win for Dunkirk and the entire region."

City man arrested in Falconer for stealing gun from village home...
A man from Jamestown has been charged after allegedly stealing a firearm from a home in the village of Falconer earlier this month.  Ellicott Town Police say they were notified of the theft on Aug. 8... and, investigated.  They arrested... and, charged 18 year-old Caleb Dellahoy with fourth-degree Grand Larceny.  He was issued an appearance ticket for Ellicott Town Court at a later date.