Jamestown man arrested for allegedly break-in, and assault during domestic incident...
A man from Jamestown faces multiple charges after allegedly breaking into a home on the city's westside last week... and, attacking another person.  Jamestown police were called to the scene of a recent domestic incident about 11:30 p.m. last Tuesday.  Their investigation led to the arrest of 34 year-old Josean Martinez... who is accused of breaking into the building through a side door... damaging property inside... and, getting into the physical altercation with the victim.  Officers say they found Martinez at a nearby home... and, he was arrested without further incident.  He was charged with Felony Aggravated Criminal Contempt... second-degree burglary... third-degree criminal mischief... third-degree assault... criminal obstruction of breathing... and, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.  Martinez was held pending his arraignment. 

City police continue investigation into fatal stabbing incident...
Jamestown police say a man suffering a life-threatening stab wound during an incident on the city's eastside has died from his injuries.  Jamestown Police say officers were called to the area of Lakeview Avenue and East Eighth Street about 4:30 a.m. last Sunday on a report of a stabbing victim.  Officers say they found the man... who was unresponsive and with a stab wound.  Police say the victim was initially taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital with a life threatening injury...before being transferred to UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.  Police say the man died in the hospital from his wound Wednesday.  Officers say the incident remains under investigation and the victim's name is being withheld until a later date.  City police are asking anyone with information on the stabbing to contact them at 716-483-7536 or the JPD Tip line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.       

Three arrested following alleged burglary in Kennedy last Friday night...
Three people have been arrested for allegedly breaking into a building in the town of Ellington last Friday evening.  Sheriff's deputies say they were called to 4644 Route 62 in Kennedy shortly after 6 p.m. for a reported "burglary-in-progress."  Officers say they arrested 36 year-old Toni Long of Gerry... 34 year-old Robert Johnston of Ellington... and, 40 year-old Nathan Siracuse of Gerry at the scene without incident.  All three are charged with third-degree burglary... second-degree criminal mischief... possession of burglar’s tools... attempted petty larceny... and petty larceny.  All three were taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment.                                                                             

Dunkirk moving ahead with design and engineering on DRI project to upgrade city marina...
A project that Dunkirk city officials say is one of the city's most important Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects is underway.  The city recently hosted a kickoff meeting with various stakeholders for a $2-million project to increase the capacity of the city-owned marina through new docks and related improvements.  City Planning and Development Director Vince DeJoy says the meeting marked the start of the design and engineering process... to add new docks, and retain what can be refurbished.  Ben Bidell from the New York Department of State says GZA GeoEnvironmental will be the primary contractor for the project.  He says GZA will look at a range of considerations... including fixed docks... or floating docks.  The design process is expected to be completed by this fall, with new docks potentially in place for the 2027 boating season.

Westfield awarded $4.5-million in New York-Forward money for nine projects...
The village of Westfield is receiving $4.5-million in New York-Forward grant funding for nine different projects.  In a press release late last week... Govenor Kathy Hochul said the money is part of $19-million for 21 total projects in Westfield... the village of Cattaraugus in Cattaraugus County... and, Angola in southern Erie County.  The largest Westfield project is one-million dollars to help redevelop the former Welch's Adminstrative Building into apartments and commercial space.  The second largest is $816,000 to create a "Pocket Park" on Clinton Street with Public Restrooms and Bicycle Repair Station.  There's currently a vacant downtown lot there.  Hochul says another $800,000 is being used to improve Community Space at Eason Hall by stabilizing... modernizing and enhancing the usability of the combined village and town hall through improvements inside and outside the building.

Man arrested in Jamestown for violating order of protection and driving with suspended license...
A man was arrested in Jamestown early Sunday morning for allegedly driving with a suspended license... and, violating an order of protection.  City police say they conducted a traffic stop on Jamestown's northside shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday for a violation.  Officers say they found the driver, 33 year-old Devonte Hampton, had the suspended license, and was traveling with someone he was ordered to stay away from.  He was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle... and second-degree criminal contempt... and, was held pending arraignment.

Borrello's proposal for Electric Bus Pilot Program defeated in committee...
A New York State Senate Committee has blocked legislation proposed by local Senator George Borrello to repeal the all-electric school bus mandate in the state.  Borrello says the Senate's Education Committee took the action during a meeting last week... noting that the proposal would have replaced the mandate with a "common-sense" pilot program to evaluate electric bus performance across New York’s diverse climates and communities.  The Sunset Bay Republican says it would have directed the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study and provide recommendations based on real-world data from rural, urban and suburban districts.  However... Borrello says the Democrat Majority defeated it outright. 

JPD investigating stabbing incident as victim dies in Erie, Pa. hospital...
City police in Jamestown say a man stabbed during an incident on the eastside early last Sunday morning has now died from his injuries.  City police were called to the area of Lakeview Avenue and East Eighth Street about 4:30 a.m. on a report of a stabbing victim.  Officers say they found the victim... unresponsive with a stab wound.  Police say the victim was initially taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital with a life threatening injury...before being transferred to UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pa.  Police say the man died in the hospital from his wound Wednesday.  Officers say the incident remains under investigation and the victim's name is being withheld until a later date.  City police are asking anyone with information on the stabbing to contact them at 716-483-7536 or the JPD Tip line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.  

Wendel says interest already being shown in the location in the wake of Bush Industries closing...
There has already been some interest shown in the former Bush Industries furniture plant near Falconer since the recent announcement it was closing.  That from Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel... who says a "couple" of entities have discussed possibly wanting to take over once parent company, eSolutions, is officially out of the building in the Mason Industrial Park.  He says a "couple of people" reached out after the announcement was made.  But, Wendel adds they're not "kicking them (Bush) out the door..." but, you have to be ready with other plans.  He's had discussions about it with Deputy County Executive for Economic Development... and head of the Industrial Development Agency, Mark Geise.  eSolutions was recently in a Canadian Bankruptcy Court to get the closing finalized.  Wendel says the south county plant wasn't the only one eSolutions was closing... but, says the sting is real because it's another case of "out-of-town" company's making decisions for local entities.  He says the county thought a deal was near three different times with other entities.  However... each one fell through because eSolutions had been told by it's creditors that closing and selling off the assets would be the best way to go.  Wendel made his comments for this coming weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the six Media One Radio Group stations.

State legislators say there is a "framework" for a budget deal, but, no final agreement yet...
There is apparently a "framework" in place for a new New York state budget... but, legislators on both sides of the political aisle say there is no final agreement in place.  That after Gov. Kathy Hochul Thursday morning announced a "general agreement" after meetings with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie... and, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.  However... later in the day Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra said that Heastie had said there was no deal yet.  Ra did acknowledge though... that the spending plan would total $268-billion -- about $14-billion more than the past year's budget.  In her announcement... Hochul said the 2026-27 budget "includes major investments... including a "Comprehensive Path to Universal Child Care..." and making the state more affordable for families."  She added that the budget addresses the costs of energy... and, car insurance. 

Three speak during public hearing on proposed Dunkirk City Comptoller's position...
The Dunkirk Common Council has delayed action on a local law to create a comptroller's position for the city.  The move was made after three city residents voiced their concerns about the measure during a public hearing this week.  One of those residents was former council member Nancy Nichols, who questioned the need for the position and how it would be paid for.  Patti Schanzlin had several questions about the position because that information is not available on the city's official website.  Since it would be an appointed position, she says accountability "already has to be built into the system."  The third resident... Ronald Burnside... feels the local law does not provide the needed checks and balances.  The council will now consider the local law at its next meeting on May 19.

Farnham woman arrested for alleged assaulting...
A woman from southern Erie County has been arrested on multiple charges following an altercation in the town of Hanover.  Sheriff's officers were called to the scene about 10:30 p.m. Thursday... and, investigated the incident.  Deputies say 23 year-old Sarah Charry of Farnham was later arrested by State Police... and, then turned over to them.  Charry faces one count each of third-degree assault... and, third-degree attempted assault... and, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.  She was taken to the County jail pending centralized arraignment.

Gillibrand pleased to see Trump administration finally agree to release Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena -- or UFO files...
The announcement by the Trump administration that it's releasing files related to unidentified anomalous phenomena... or UAPs... is winning praise from New York's junior U.S. Senator.  Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand has long supported UAP disclosure and transparency, and in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act... she was able to secure language to require that the government declassify UAP records, with limited exceptions for national security purposes.  Gillibrand says "transparency is the only path to truth.  For years, I have fought to declassify and release UAP files, including by successfully passing legislation requiring government disclosure of UAP records.  I am encouraged that the administration has finally heard my call and the call of millions of Americans to begin unsealing these files."  Previously... UAPs were referred to as UFOs.

Hochul announces "general agreement" on new state budget; Assembly Minority Leader says not so fast...
There is apparently no final state budget deal in Albany... but... it depends on who you talk to.  Governor Kathy Hochul announced the general agreement Thursday morning... just over a month after the due date of April 1.  However... Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra later said that one of the "three people in the negotiating room..." Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie... said that was no deal yet.  Ra did acknowledge though... that the spending plan would total $268-billion, about $14-billion more than the past year's budget.  In her announcement... Hochul said the 2026-27 budget "includes major investments... including a "Comprehensive Path to Universal Child Care..." and making the state more affordable for families."  Hochul says that includes cutting car insurance costs... and, $1-billion in energy rebates. 

Molitor says -- even if there is an agreement -- more budget extenders will be needed...
Local State Assemblyman Andrew Molitor says -- even if there was an agreement -- the legislature will still need to pass additional budget extenders because bills have to be printed... and, have to sit on lawmakers desks for three days.  Molitor says the proposal still needs to be put into each of the nine-bills that haven't been finalized yet... and, those have to be printed.  He says that will likely happen next week.  In the meantime... lawmakers approved a 10th budget extender on Thursday.

City teen arrested for choking victim during domestic incident...
An 18 year-old from Jamestown has been arrested for allegedly getting into an altercation with another person... and, then choking the victim.  City police were called to a domestic dispute on the city's southside shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday... and, found that the teen had gotten into the physical altercation with the victim... and, then put his hand around the victim's throat in an effort to choke them.  After the unnamed suspect was advised he was being arrested... he tried to run away from officers.  Following a brief foot chase... the 18 year-old was taken into custody and transported to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital... where he was evaluated for injuries sustained in the pursuit.  He was later discharged and taken to the City Jail without further incident on charges of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation... and, resisting arrest.   

Annual "Cents for St. Susan's" campaign underway...
The bright yellow canisters are out... but, there are a number of ways to donate to the annual "Cents for St. Susan's" campaign.  Officials with the Jamestown-area's largest soup kitchen, and major contributors met to kick-off the 27th annual campaign on Wednesday.  It's been headed up the past 20 years by Jamestown Board of Public Utilities Communications Coordinator Becky Robbins... who says look for those bright yellow coin canisters at dozens of local businesses and organizations.  Robbins says another way to donate is to come to the annual Hot Dog Sale outside the BPU Customer Service area at 92 Steele St. on Friday, June 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until the hot dogs are gone.  She says it all helps out the St. Susan's Center.  In addition... Robbins says you can also take redeemable cans and bottles to Customer Service... or Don's Car Wash in Lakewood.  To make a direct contributions... you can mail a check to St. Susan's to the BPU at PO Box 700, Jamestown, NY 14701.

This year's "Cents for St. Susan's campaign will be last for Robbins to head up...
The BPU's Becky Robbins says her 20th "Cent's for St. Susan's" campaign will be her last.  Robbins is retiring from the BPU later this year... but, was honored during Wednesday's kick-off breakfast at the center.  St. Susan's Board President Greg Lindquist praised Robbins for her leadership, steadfastness, and compassion in heading up the program... and says a new award -- the "Rebecca Robbins Community Partner Award" -- will be presented annually to those who do the same in the community... be they an individual, business, or community organization.  St. Susan's Executive Director Cherie Rowland... and, BPU General Manager Kris Sellstrom also spoke about Robbins contributions to the center, and community.

City man arrested after allegedly stealing e-Bike...
A city man has been arrested for allegedly stealing an e-Bike... and riding it on street on Jamestown's southside.  City police say they spotted 20 year-old Brandon Gilliam riding the black e-Bike... which had been previously reported stolen early Wednesday afternoon.  Officers say they stopped the bike on the Arterial at South Main Street... and, arrested Gilliam for fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.  He was booked at the city jail... and, issued an appearance ticket for city court at a later date.

Two city women arrested for stealing... and, eating food... at Lakewood Wal-Mart store...
Two women from Jamestown have been arrested for allegedly opening up food items -- and eating them - while shopping at a store in Lakewood.  Lakewood-Busti Police say 24 year-old Trista Hammond and 32 year-old Maria Sams also left their wrappers throughout the Wal-Mart SuperCenter during the incident Tuesday afternoon.  Officers were called to a "shoplifting in progress" just after 5 p.m., and, found that Hammond and Sams had also taken and eaten the items in the presence of three young children.  Both women were arrested for petty larceny... and, Hammond was also charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.  Both were issued appearance tickets for Busti Town Court.
 

Final deal on a new, 2026-27 state budget may be near...
A final deal on a 2026-27, New York State budget may be near.  Governor Kathy Hochul told reporters in Albany last Friday that a deal may be reached this week.  However, a local state lawmaker says if a deal is struck... lawmakers would still need to pass additional budget extenders.  Assemblyman Andrew Molitor says that's because it will take time to put everything into the budget bills that state legislature has to act on.  There are nine total bills that would have to be acted on.  Molitor says that would likely take place next week.  He made his comments after the legislature passed a ninth budget extender on Monday. Meanwhile, there are also reports that the "three people in a room" are nearing a deal specifically on immigration policy, including a measure to prevent local law enforcement from being "co-opted" by ICE.  The Westfield Republican says that proposal -- the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act -- is "short-sighted" because local officers know the community and business owners and what people are thinking.  Molitor adds that "there's no reason" not to pass an on-time budget.

City woman arrested following domestic incident on southside...
A woman from Jamestown has been arrested for allegedly hitting another person... and, spitting in their face during a domestic incident.  City police say they were called to a southside address about 10:45 p.m. Tuesday for the domestic dispute.  Officers found that 39 year-old Briana Winslow had gotten into the altercation... and, she was also wanted on several City Court bench warrants.  Police add there was also a valid order of protection the victim had against Winslow... and, she was taken into custody without incident.  Winslow was charged with second-degree harassment... and first-degree criminal contempt... along with the bench warrants.  She's being held pending arraignment.

BPU GM updates City Council on Communty Fiber Optic project...
The effort to provide the community with full broadband capability in the city of Jamestown is proceeding ahead of schedule.  That from Jamestown Board of Public Utilities General Manager Kris Sellstrom... who says they now have the funding to hook up all of the city's 14,000 properties.  Initially... Sellstrom told City Council Monday night says they were looking at just doing about 5,000 properties.  He says they have about 153 miles of the approximately 172 aerial miles of community fiber optics in place that are needed.  He says workers have begun tagging doors on the city's southside to indicate they'll be back on a couple of weeks to install drop boxes for service.  However... Sellstrom says you have to contact the BPU to opt out of the installation... using either the QR code on the tag placed on your door, or by going to their website at jamestownbpu.com.  Business Development Coordinator Ellen Ditonto says they've already received a lot of positive feedback from people already receiving the service. 

"Cents for St. Susan's" campaign underway in Jamestown-area...
The annual fundraiser to help the Jamestown-area's largest soup kitchen is underway for the 27th year.  The kick-off for the "Cents for St. Susan's" campaign was held at the Water Street location this morning... with many of it's sponsors, St. Susan's officials and staff on hand.  It's put on by the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities... and, Communications Coordinator Becky Robbins says with skyrocketing costs for gasoline and food... the need is again great.  Robbins says being able to provide a nutritional, and "tasty" meal is "very important."  Robbins says the best way to support the campaign is to drop spare change in the bright yellow coin canisters at several dozen local businesses.  She's also pleased with their growing number of sponsors in recent years.  They include: Judy and Steve McAllaster, the Chautauqua Chemical Company, the Robinson Law Office, Spry Point, Asplundh, Boyle’s Motor Sales, CCB, Century 21/Turner Brokers, Dan and Connie Evans, Falconer Printing & Design Inc., Inscale PC, Invoice Cloud, Kwik-fill, The Legend Group with Lou Deppas, National Fuel, Northwest Bank, Robbins and Johnson Attorneys, ServPro, Shults Auto Group, Slone-Melhuish Insurance, Store-N-Lock, Weinberg Financial Group, Wright Calimeri, PLLC Attorneys and one anonymous person.  Media sponsors include the Media One Radio Group of stations and the Jamestown Post-Journal.  Last year's Cents for St. Susan's effort raised the most if ever has... and, has now raised nearly $432,000 over the previous 26 years.  The center served nearly 50,000 meals during 2025.  

Gas prices in the Jamestown-area jump week over week, day over day...
The cost of a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline in the Jamestown-area is close to the national average as we hit mid-week.  The AAA East Central's Gas Price Report says the average price is now about $4.46 cents a gallon... which is slightly under the national price of $4.48 a gallon.  AAA says that's a 50% increase since the war in Iran began.  Prices in the immediate Jamestown-area began the week at about $4.36 cents a gallon...  which was 19 cents higher than last week.  However... it's now between $4.40 and $4.50 a gallon.  The main reason drivers are paying more at the pump is because of the global energy crisis caused by the Iran War.  The price of crude oil, which is the main ingredient in gasoline, has been climbing for most of the past two months because the Strait of Hormuz through which a fifth of the world’s crude oil normally passes, has effectively been shut down.
 

Three arrested during drug raid on Jamestown's southside...
Three people have been arrested following a drug raid late last week in the city of Jamestown's southside.  Sheriff's officers say members of their narcotics unit, and Jamestown and Ellicott Police executed a search warrant at 17 Norwood Ave. just before 11:30 a.m. last Friday.  Just prior to the raid... investigators say they saw 20-year-old Tysean Mays leave the residence... and, City police stopped him a short distance away.  Investigators then executed the search warrant... and, arrested 34-year-old Samantha Harley and 20 year-old Kody Scott inside.  They also seized 67-grams of fentanyl... 27.6-grams of crack cocaine... and, 93.4-grams of methamphetamine... along with scales and packaging material used for trafficking drugs... and $605 in cash.  All three were each charged with one count of second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... four counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia.  All three were held pending arraignment.  If you have any information on suspicious, or narcotics related activity in your area... you can call the Sheriff's Department Narcotics Investigators Tip line at 1-800-344-8702 or 664-2420.  For the JPD Tip line call 483-8477.

City man, and woman, get time served in connection with major drug trafficking conspiracy in Jamestown...
A man from Jamestown has been sentenced to time served in federal court on a drug conspiracy charge.  U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that 66 year-old Brian Cessna... who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute... 400 grams or more of fentanyl... received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo.  During the conspiracy... prosecutors say Cessna bought and sold heroin and fentanyl, for profit and his own use.  He also assisted co-conspirator Holly Berenguer in selling heroin and fentanyl, for profit and her own use, delivering on her behalf and collecting payments.  Co-defendant Joseph Zaso -- also known as "Joey Cracks" was Berenguer’s source of supply.  Cessna used his Fairview Avenue residence for drug trafficking purposes and also allowed Berenguer to utilize the residence to sell drugs.  Berenguer and Joseph Zaso were previously convicted.  The 46 year-old Berenguer was also sentenced to time served.

City Council committee tables resolution on Jamestown's 2026 CDBG, and HOME program allocations...
Jamestown's Department of Development will be receiving slightly less Community Development Block Grant funding in 2026 than 2025.  That from the Chairman of the City Council's Finance Committee after tabling the $1.1-million CDBG... and, $279,000 HOME program allocations Monday night.  Chairman Doug Scotchmer says they took the action regarding the annual Action Plan to allow more time to crunch the numbers to be submitted in the final plan to the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development... pending dollar amounts for each specific program.  Scotchmer says they want final figures filled in before voting.  The proposal was also discussed by the Housing Committee... and, Chairwoman Hannah Jaroszynski says... while the public hearing will be held on May 18... the public comment period runs until June 1.  The Department of Development has been accepting comments over the past month on the Action Plan... which is to address proposed housing, neighborhood, community and economic development activities over the next year in the city.

Jamestown man arrested on federal child porn charges...
A city man has been arrested on a federal child pornography charge following an investigation late last year.  U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that 20 year-old Connor Higgs was arrested for possession and distribution of child pornography.  Prosecutors say in August of 2025... State Police received a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, about a Discord account, which contained suspected child porn.  Further investigation traced the account to Higgs... and, in October... State Police raided Higgs’ Jamestown residence, seizing eight electronic devices.  He was also taken into custody... and, investigators found child porn on two of the devices.  If convicted... Higgs faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison... and, a maximum of 20 years.

New lead emerges in "Ellery Jane Doe" murder case...
The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office is investigating a new lead in an unsolved case dating back more than four decades.  In a Facebook post... officials announced that it has received information of a possible sighting of Christopher Wilder in New York City on Dec. 4, 1983... two days before the body of a woman known as "Ellery Jane Doe" was recovered on Route 17 in the town of Ellery.  Wilder was suspected of committing a number of homicides in the United States, including New York State.  As a result, he was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.  He was killed on Apr. 13 of 1984 in a gunfight with New Hampshire State Police, who had contacted him in a stolen vehicle that Wilder had taken following the murder of Beth Dodge in Victor, NY.  A New Hampshire State Police officer was shot during the encounter with Wilder... who was known to frequent Western New York.  The Sheriff's Office would like to speak to anyone who believes they may have encountered Wilder in Western New York between Dec. 4 and 6 of 1983.  You're asked to contact the Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division at 753-4578 or via e-mail at Tarpley@sheriff.us.

City man accused of trying to provide alcohol to minors hits man trying to stop him with a beer bottle...
A man from Jamestown has been arrested for allegedly trying to provide juveniles with alcohol... and, then hitting another adult in the head with a beer bottle.  Jamestown police say they were called to a southside address about 4:30 p.m. Sunday for a person with a weapon complaint.  Officers say they found that 25 year-old Charles Apperson was trying to hand alcohol to the minors when he was confronted by the adult.  When Apperson was confronted by the adult... he allegedly hit the victim with the glass bottle in the head causing physical injury.  He then fled on foot... but, was found by police running behind houses... and, he was taken into custody.  Police charged Apperson with second-degree assault... and, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  He was held pending arraignment.

Jamestown man arrested for starting fight on city's westside...
A man from Jamestown has been arrested for allegedly starting a fight with another man who had an order of protection against him.  City police say they were called a westside address about 1:30 a.m. Sunday for reported altercation.  Officers say they found that 28 year-old Michael Johnson had "shown up" at the victim's home... violating the "stay-away" order... then instigating the altercation.  Johnson was arrested without incident for first-degree criminal contempt... and, taken to the City Jail and held pending arraignment.

Jamestown man accused of strangling 11 year-old son in front of 5-year-old...
A city man has been arrested for allegedly trying to strangle his 11-year-old son in the presence of a 5-year-old child.  Jamestown police say they were called to a domestic dispute on the city's westside shortly before 5 p.m. last Saturday... and, investigated.  They determined that 29 year-old Corey Grzesiak had put his hands around the 11 year-old child’s neck... in the presence of Grzesiak’s 5-year-old boy.  He was taken into custody without incident on two counts of endangering the welfare of a child... and, criminal obstructon of breathing.  Grzesiak was taken to the City Jail pending arraignment. 

Man from Kennedy arrested for alleged possession of child porn...
A Kennedy man faces three charges following his arrest for allegedly possessing and promoting child pornography.  Sheriff's deputies say they began investigating 71 year-old Steven Smith... last October.  Officers say they were able to obtain a search warrant... and, arrested Smith last Thursday, Apr. 30.  Police also seized a large quantity of Smith's devices... and, those will be forensically analyzed.  Deputies charged him with three counts of first-degree promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child... and, he was taken to the County Jail for centralized arraignment.  He'll answer to the charges in Chautauqua County Supreme Court at a later date.  The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit for evidence processing following execution of the search warrant.  Additional charges are anticipated - pending evidence analysis.

CHQ Chamber looks to visit more than 500 local businesses during National Small Biz Week...
It's National Small Business week this week... and, the CHQ Chamber has an ambitious schedule now through next Saturday.  Chamber officials and staff will be visiting hundreds of local businesses during the week to highlight and promote their importance to the county.  Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Heitzenrater made the announcement during the ribbon cutting at Sweeterson Farm in Clymer last Friday... and, he says they'll be in every community this week, so their shoes will be worn out.  Proclamations were also issued... the first from State Assemblyman Andrew Molitor... who highlighted the need for lawmakers in Albany to make it less hard for small businesses to start and thrive.  Molitor says he reminds his colleagues about that all the time.  James Feldman of Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel's office talked about the collaboration between their office and the chamber to release information showing that the county is in the top 10 counties in New York state for per capital income growth, and economic growth.

Ribbon is cut at new Sweeterson Farm in Clymer...
The kick-off for Small Business Week took place at the new location of Sweeterson Farm on Main Street in Clymer.  It's a small business started... on-line... in 2023 by the Chamber's Carrie Swanson and her husband.  Swanson says the name is a combination of her married, and maiden names.  She says they're very pleased with the new location... which is at 8723 East Main St., a location they acquired last November.  However... Swanson says they aren't a "farm product" store.  She says they sell kitchen utensils... cutlery... cookware... and, other items.  They're open Wednesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturday's from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  They're also on line at sweetersonfarm.com.

Busti man arrested again for violating order of protection...
A man from the town of Busti has been arrested for the second time within two weeks for violating an order of protection, and hitting the other person.  Lakewood-Busti Police say they took 62 year-old Douglas Martin into custody early last week on two counts of first-degree criminal contempt.  Martin is accused of head butting the victim... and, injuring the person's face.  He was taken to the Chautauqua County Jail pending centralized arraignment.

Jamestown man arrested following westside domestic incident...
A city man has been arrested for allegedly punching and choking another person during a domestic incident on Jamestown's westside.  City police say they were called to the location shortly before 10 a.m. Friday... and, found that 40 year-old Devin Berg had choked and punched the victim.  Officers say the victim tried to call 9-1-1... but, Berg grabbed the phone away and broke it.  He was arrested on two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief... third-degree assault and criminal obstrutcion of breathing or/ blood flow.  Berg was jailed pending arraignment.

Woman arrested following domestic violence incident in Lakewood...
A Lakewood woman faces multiple Felony charges following a domestic incident in early April.  Lakewood-Busti Police say they were called to an unidentified location the evening of April 3... and, investigated.  Officers then arrested 50 year-old Teresa Chevalier for second-degree assault... second-degree menacing... edangering the welfare of a physically disabled person... and, endangering the welfare of a child.  Chevalier was taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment. 

Lakewood board member notes the change in tax rate is based on new town of Busti assessments...
The new Lakewood budget comes on the heels of last year's reassessment of property by the town of Busti... where a number of village properties saw assessments double.  With that... the per thousand rate in Lakewood fell from $9.92 to $6.12.  Village Trustee Ellen Barnes says her assessment doubled... so she understands why people are very concerned about this year's taxes.  She adds that the revals aren't done yet... because there are still court cases underway challenging some of the new assessments.  The main one currently involves the Chautauqua Mall on Fairmount Avenue... which is seeking to have it's assessment lowered.

NYS 2026-27 budget now one month late... and, policy remains the issue...
It's now been one month since New York State's budget deadline has passed, and leaders in Albany still have not reached an agreement on a final spending plan.  State lawmakers on Wednesday approved an eighth budget extender to keep the state government running while negotiations continue.  State Senator George Borrello says there continue to be disagreements over the Climate Act and immigration policy... and, the governor is pushing back against the "climate agenda."  Borrello adds that Gov. Kathy Hochul has been "rattling her saber" against federal immigration policy, but, adds she realizes it's impacting her efforts to win re-election.  Meanwhile, there are reports of another sticking point that's developed surrounding Governor Kathy Hochul's proposals for saving New Yorkers money on auto insurance. However, Borrello says there are rumors that a deal has been reached in that area.  On that issue, the Sunset Bay Republican says he sides with Hochul, who had been getting pushback from the New York State Trial Lawyers Association.  The Sunset Bay Republican adds the ongoing gridlock in Albany is an example of why he believes policy should not be put into budgets.  The state's budget deadline was April 1st.

Lakewood village lawmakers approved heavily-cut 2026-27 budget...
The Lakewood Village Board has approved a 2026-27 budget that increases the tax levy... but, it's much lower than it was initially.  The board discussed a number of proposed -- across the board -- reductions in the $5.69-million spending plan at Thursday morning's special meeting.  Much of the discussion was led by Deputy Mayor and Trustee, Ben Troche, who thanked Village Clerk April Troutman for her work on the spending plan... along with all the board members for their efforts to cut the budget "quite significantly."  Initially... the board was looking at about $50,000 in cuts... but, was able to triple that amount in the final budget.  Troche says the final budget maintains services... but, adds some increases are unavoidable... including utilities, and gasoline for the police and fire departments.  The total tax levy -- or amount to be raised by taxes for 2026-27 -- is $2.74-million... and, the final tax rate will be about $6.12 per $1,000.

Langworthy pleased to see House, and President approve DHS funding bill...
Local Congressman Nick Langworthy says he's pleased that President Trump has now signed the just-approved Department of Homeland Security funding bill.  The measure... approved a few weeks back in the U.S. Senate... funds the department... but, not Immigrations and Customs Enforcement... or U.S. Border Patrol.  However... Langworthy says those will be addressed during the reconciliation process.  The Buffalo-area Republican sent a letter at the beginning of the week to Speaker Mike Johnson... urging him to pass the Senate DHS bill.  

County Workers Memorial Service to be held Saturday...
Chautauqua County will honor the lives of workers who have been injured or lost their lives on the job during the 25th Annual Workers Memorial Service tomorrow in Frewsburg.  The program will be held at 11 a.m. at the Workers Memorial site at Erlandson Overlook Park at 465 Oak Hill Rd.  The program is organized by the county's Workers’ Memorial Committee... and, the annual observance serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of workplace safety... while paying tribute to those who went to work and never returned home.  During the ceremony... those attending will gather to remember all Chautauqua County workers who have been injured or killed on the job.  A key part of the service is the reading of the Memorial Roll, which now includes more than 180 individuals whose lives were lost while working in Chautauqua County.