City man faces multiple Felony charges following domestic violence incident...
A man from Jamestown has been arrested following a domestic violence incident in which he allegedly choked a woman... and, threatened her with a knife.  City police were called to an eastside home about 6:30 a.m. Friday... and found that 53 year-old Angel Carmona Santiago had violated an order of protection.  Officers say Santiago allegedly choked the victim until she was unconscious... hit her in the head with a mop... threatened her with the knife... and, forcefully prevented her from leaving the scene.  Santiago allegedly resisted after being told he was being arrested.  However... he was taken into custody on charges including second-degree assault... menacing and strangulation... along with second-degree unlawful imprisonment.  He was jailed pending arraignment.

Five city residents indicted by federal Grand Jury for drug trafficking conspiracy...
Five people from Jamestown have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury for allegedly being part of a narcotics conspirace between 2018... and, May of 2022.  Acting U.S. Attorney Joel Violanti has announced the indictment charging 33 year-old Andres Pizzaro-Campos... 34 year-old Max Pizzaro Campos... 52 year-old Cindy Frank... 48 year-old Edward Leeper -- also known as Edward Barnes... and, 21 year-old Jaquez Thomas -- also known has Quez -- with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.  In addition, Andres and Max Pizzaro Campos are also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and maintaining a drug involved premises, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison... consecutive to any other penalty.  Cindy Frank is also charged with obstruction of justice.  Prosecutors say during the approximately 4 year period... the defendants conspired with Joseph Zaso and others... to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area.  The Campos are accused of using a Hazzard Street home and possessing firearms to conduct their drug trafficking activities.  In addition... in July of 2023... Cindy Frank allegedly falsely testified, concealing her knowledge of Joseph Zaso's drug trafficking activities.  Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

Hochul announces mediated agreement between State and Corrections officers... 
A consent order has been issued by a mediator to end the work stoppage by corrections officers at facilities operated by New York State.  Gov. Kathy Hochul... in a printed statement late Thursday... said -- "we have reached a consent award to address many of the concerns raised by correction officers... but, DOCCS back on the path to safe operations, respect the rights of incarcerated individuals and prevent future unsanctioned work stoppages."  She did add that she has "the utmost respect and gratitude for the correction officers, civilian DOCCS employees, National Guard personnel and other staff who have done their absolute best to maintain order in our correctional facilities during this challenging period."  In response... State Senator George Borrello says the agreement with the corrections officers union would allow a "temporary suspension of certain provisions of the HALT Act to provide an opportunity for evaluation.  It remains to be seen whether this will lead to real, lasting reforms."  He adds there's also a provision to have a third-party mail vendor screen all incoming inmate mail, which he calls "a positive step."  Howevr... he says it does not include the mandatory use of body scanners for visitors to detect dangerous drugs like fentanyl and K2 which continue to enter the prisons at an alarming rate."

County Legislator voices support for DOCCS workers at this week's meeting...
County officials were in the process of looking to draft a motion or resolution supporting a quick end to the strike... and the correction workers to improve safety conditions in the state facilities.  Dunkirk Democrat Bob Bankowski has worked at the Lakeview Shock Incarceration facility near Brocton... and, says he understands the plight of corrections officers.  Bankowski says -- at times -- they literally live at the state prisons due to lack of staffing... and, end up working 24 to 32 hours sometimes as part of forced overtime.  Jamestown Democrat Fred Larson... noted though... that the strike is a violation of New York's Taylor Law... which prevents state workers from striking.  County Executive P.J. Wendel also spoke, and urged lawmakers to write to the state, and support a quick resolution to the matter.

City police arrest pair during traffic stop on drug related charges...
Two people from Jamestown face drug-related charges following a traffic stop on the city's southside this past Tuesday night.  Jamestown police say they conducted the stop on Christopher Light for multiple traffic infractions in the area of Foote and Prather Avenues shortly after 8 p.m.  Officers say they spotted drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the car... and, a further search led to discovery of a quantity of Fentanyl inside the vehicle.  Police arrested both Light, and his passenger, Amie Hogg, for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Officers say the also found additional quantities of Fentanyl and cocaine when they searched Light.  He was also charged with a second count of seventh-degree criminal possession of drugs.  Both were arraigned... and, issued appearance tickets for city court.

County lawmakers agree to refer sales tax request back to committee to discuss providing more funding for local towns, cities and villages...
The Chautauqua County Legislature has referred a resolution to continue it's additional 1% sales tax back to committee to discuss possibly sharing more of those revenues with local municipalities.  Lawmakers need to renew the request every two years... and was first instituted several years ago to help make up for losses in Medicaid, and County Home costs.  Jamestown Democrat Fred Larson says the county now has about $40-million dollars in surplus... and, gets 85% of the added 1% sales tax.  With some cities, towns and villages under financial stress... Larson says they should consider upping their share from the current 15%.  He says he's willing to go with something from 50/50... to 75/25.  Larson also suggested getting input from local communities.  Fellow Democrat, Marcus Buchanon of Dunkirk, agreed the legislature's Audit and Control Committee should take another look at the idea.  The decision to refer the measure back to committee was approved, 11--7 with one legislator absent.  New York state has to approve each county's sales tax if it exceeds the base of 7%.  The state gets 4% of that... while the other 3% is split between the county and it's municipalities.  Anything above 7% can go strictly to the county... or they could decide to share some of it with it's local municipalities.

Jamestown man arrested for damaging glass door at ROME warming shelter...
A city man has been arrested for allegedly smashing out the glass on a security door at the Code Blue warming shelter on Washington Street.  Jamestown police were called to the scene at the Recovery Options Made Easy shelter shortly before 4 a.m. Wednesday on a criminal mischief complaint.  Officers say their investigation determined that 44 year-old Wade Pfleuger had smashed out the glass door with a fire extinguisher... causing more than one-thousand dollars damage.  Pfleuger was arrested on one count of third-degree criminal mischief... and, taken to the city jail pending arraignment.

Hochul says mediation efforts continue as DOCCS Strike enters 11th day...
It's Day-11 of the wildcat strike involving corrections officers at state prisons... and, Gov. Kathy Hochul says mediation efforts are continuing.  Hochul updated the matter late Tuesday... and, says the actions by corrections officers since last Monday are putting the entire state at risk.  She says the state has done everything it can to encourage the striking officers to get back to work... including the fact they are violating the state's Taylor Law... and, a restraining order for them to get back to work.  There were others, including a temporary pause on parts of the HALT Act.  Hochul adds that 6,500 New York National Guard members have been deployed to staff the prisons while the strikes continue, saying the condition inside the prison has been stabilized.  She says the state has begun legal proceedings against the striking officers.  Hochul also mentioned that inmates are being transported to other facilities where she "can protect them more readily."  The governor says she looks forward to a resolution as soon as possible.

Leathers says it's time to call it a career at BPU... but, not quite yet...
The head of the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities will be retiring in just under a year... but, he says there's still plenty of work to do at the public utility.  BPU General Manager Dave Leathers says the board always has a plan of succession to replace managers... and, says this time he looked in the mirror at his situation... adding he had been considering it for a while now, and he says it "made sense" to begin the process.  Leathers began working in the BPU's Electric Division in December of 2005... and, he later became the Deputy GM of it.  He was later Interim General Manager... and, was formally appointed to the post in March of 2008 to replace Wally Haase.  While not pointing to any particular achievement during his near 17 years at the helm... Leathers credited his staff and employees for working hard to improve their services... and never being satisfied.  The BPU announced Tuesday that a search for a successor will begin soon.  Leathers says there's still much to work on in the coming months... including getting the new community microgrid project underway, along with their broadband initiative.  He adds there's also the need to avoid a major increase in hydropower from the New York Power Authority. 

Jamestown man arrested for unlawful imprisonment following domestic incident...
A city man is accused of physically holding another man against his will... and, not allowing them to leave a home on Jamestown's southside during a domestic incident.  City police were called to the scene just after 3:30 p.m. last Sunday... and found 47 year-old Lawrence Gibbons, Jr. holding the victim in a "bear hug" for an extended period of time.  Prior to officers responding... officers say Gibbons barricaded himself in a bedroom closet.  Police commanded Gibbons to come-out... but, he refused.  Officers finally physically extracted him from the closet... but, he continued to resist arrest.  Gibbons was taken into custody on charged including second-degree unlawful imprisonment... and, resisting arrest.  He was jailed pending arraignment.

City man arrested for allegedly smashing glass security door at ROME warming shelter...
A Jamestown man has been arrested again for allegedly smashing out the glass on a security door at the Code Blue warming shelter on Washington Street.  City police were called to the scene at the Recovery Options Made Easy shelter shortly before 4 a.m. Wednesday on a criminal mischief complaint.  Their investigation determined that 44 year-old Wade Pfleuger had smashed out the glass door with a fire extinguisher... causing more than $1,000 damage.  Pfleuger was arrested on one count of third-degree criminal mischief... and, taken to the city jail pending arraignment.

County among those seeing impacts of rising homeless issue in NYS...
There's been a staggering increase in the homeless population in New York state... with the numbers more than doubling since 2022.  That from a recent report from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli... who says New York now accounts for nearly 20% of the nation’s homeless population, second only to California.  Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel says... while much of this surge has been driven by conditions in New York City... the crisis is also affecting counties across the state — including Chautauqua -- where homelessness has spiked by over 100% in just two years.  Wendel says while the county is doing all it can to deal with the issue -- "we need stronger support from the state to ensure resources are reaching rural areas like ours.  We need more funding for emergency shelters and mental health services to truly combat this growing problem."  He says the county will continue to step up, but "we cannot fight this battle alone."  The comptroller's report shows a 103% increase in overall homelessness in the county between 2022 and 2024... with a 150% rise in homeless families and a 141% increase in children without stable housing. 
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In response to the growing need... Wendel and Director of Mental Hygiene, Carmello Hernandez, say the county has expanded its homelessness support network...  offering a range of services designed to provide emergency relief and long-term solutions.  The Code Blue Warming Center, operated by Recovery Options Made Easy, offers overnight shelter during extreme weather conditions, ensuring that no individual is left out in the cold.  People in need of help can access these services by visiting CHQGov.com/CodeBlue or calling the Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services at 661-8200.

Langworthy says Jamestown Office was vandalized while he and staff were at local event...
Local Congressman Nick Langworthy's Jamestown office was allegedly vandalized during the time he and office staff were at a local press event.  In a printed release... Langworthy says the vandalism was "designed to jam the door and make it impossible for us to enter our office space.  At the time of the incident, it was public knowledge that I was off-site holding a press conference and the office would be empty."  The Buffalo-area Republican adds they immediately notified Jamestown police... who are investigating the incident.  Langworthy says "this disturbing incident comes on the heels of an envelope with white powder that was recently sent to another one of my district offices."  He says... "let me be clear: these actions are crimes and have no place in our political discourse. It is completely unacceptable for my hardworking staff and the citizens who rely on our office for federal assistance to be disrupted by the criminal activity of deranged zealots."  He adds it "will not be tolerated, and I will urge prosecution to the fullest extent of the law."

Ecklund welcomes four new JPD officers...
The Jamestown Police Department has brought on four new patrol officers... bringing the department to within one of it's minimum staffing levels.  That from Mayor Kim Ecklund... who welcomed the four new trainees to the department at the beginning of last night's City Council voting session.  Ecklund says they are still completing their stints at the Sheriff's Academy at Jamestown Community College... but, adds they are also getting oriented, and working.  She says the new officers have either finished their preliminary training... or are in the process of completing it.  For the most part... she says they can now to on "ride-alongs" with other officers.  Eckund adds that she is very pleased that two of the four new officers live in the city of Jamestown.

Petition's can now be circulated for candidates seeking election this Fall...
Tuesday was the day the petitioning process for the 2025 election cycle began in New York state... and, Chautauqua County.  That from the county's Board of Elections and the Sheriff’s Office... who add the door-to-door process of getting signatures runs through Thursday, Apr. 3.  Democratic Elections Commissioner Luz Torres says "each year... candidates must collect signatures from registered voters in the area they are seeking to run and for the party they are circulating petitions for.  Collecting signatures can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process and candidates often face challenges such as tight deadlines and limited access to voters.   Republican Commissioner Nacole Ellis adds that -- "collecting signatures is a crucial step in getting candidates on the ballot for elections.  It ensures that candidates have a baseline level of support from the community before they can officially run for office."  

Leathers to retire as BPU General Manager in early 2026...
The man who has headed up the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities the past 17 years has announced his retirement at the beginning of next year.  In a printed release this morning... the BPU also announced it will being a search for General Manager Dave Leathers replacement shortly.  Leathers has served as the BPU's GM since March of 2008... and, plans to retire in January of 2026.  Prior to his current position... he was Interim General Manager and Deputy General Manager for the Electric Division.  He has worked for the utility since December of 2005... and, later replaced Wally Haase as GM.  Leathers is president of the New York Association of Public Power... and, is also a member of the American Public Power Association national board, it's executive committee and CEO Climate Change-and-Generation Policy Committee.  In his previous NYAPP role... he was honored by the state Power Authority as one of two primary people taking part in negotiations between NYPA, NYAPP and the Municipal Electric Utilities Association of New York State... and, his work helped the BPU and other similar operations in New York secure a new, long-term contract extension with NYPA for hydropower commitments through September of 2040.

City Council approves hiring new plow truck driver and one recently involved in DWI accident is terminated...
The city of Jamestown has moved ahead to hired a new streets laborer in the Department of Public Works after having to terminate a plow truck driver recently involved in an accident.  The City Council last night unanimously approved the move since 37 year-old Jerremy Dossey had lost his license... and, cannot perform his duties.  Mayor Kim Ecklund adds, though, that Dossey's court case has not been finished.  However... since Dossey refused a chemical test after the incident... his license was automatically suspended, so he cannot drive legally.  Dossey's plow truck struck a street sign on the city's northside back in mid-January... and, he then allegedly left the scene of the accident.  City police say a witness followed the truck to a local convenience store after the accident... which occured at the intersection of Buffalo Street and Beechview Avenue.  Officers tried to stop the truck, but it kept going for several blocks.  Dossey allegedly failed field sobriety tests and was taken into custody without incident.  However... he refused to take a chemical test... and, was charged with DWI and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

Plans to construct amphitheater and welcome center at Memorial Park in Dunkirk will soon receive public input...
A project to construct an amphitheater and welcome center at the eastern end of Dunkirk's Memorial Park is in its very early stages, and with that, the city plans to hold community forums for citizens to give their input.  That from City Planning and Development Director Vince DeJoy, who gave an update during last week's Common Council meeting.  DeJoy says they'll meet with veterans and community stakeholders to lay out plans for the project... including veterans and others.  Meanwhile... Deputy Planning and Development Director E.J. Hayes recently floated the idea of bringing the city's King Neptune statue to be a part of the welcome center.  Fourth Ward Councilwoman Nancy Nichols says that statue would have to remain in a controlled environment because it can't be left in the elements, and they want to protect it from vandalism.  The statue, which used to be located in Washington Park, is currently on loan at the SUNY College at Fredonia.  The city recently received a $1.6 million state grant for the project.

County BOE announces start of circulation petitions for elected office in 2025...
Today is the day the petitioning process for the 2025 election cycle begins today in New York state... and, Chautauqua County.  That from the county's Board of Elections and the Sheriff’s Office... who add the door-to-door process of getting signatures runs through Thursday, Apr. 3.  Democratic Elections Commissioner Luz Torres says "each year... candidates must collect signatures from registered voters in the area they are seeking to run and for the party they are circulating petitions for."  Republican Commissioner Nacole Ellis adds that -- "collecting signatures is a crucial step in getting candidates on the ballot for elections.  It ensures that candidates have a baseline level of support from the community before they can officially run for office."  Sheriff Jim Quattrone adds that -- "each year, there are volunteers that work hard to get candidates Elected to local offices.  We want to let the public know that this process will be happening, to lessen the potential confusion and concern regarding this process."  For more information... go on-line to votechautauqua.com.

Marino named as new Assistant principal at Jamestown's Jefferson Middle School...        
The Jamestown School Board has approved the appointment of a new assistant principal at Jefferson Middle School who has a "wide range of administrative experience."  Assistant JPS Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and School Improvement, Tina Sandstrom, says Nicole Marino has been brought on to be part of the administrative staff at Jefferson.  Sandstrom says Marino "brings a wealth of experience to this new position and we look forward to seeing her collaboration with the students, staff, and families at Jefferson.”  Marino served four years as an assistant principal... and one as principal at the Sherman Central Schools... and, before that... she was a teacher for 23 years at Randolph Academy... spending the last three years as the building’s assistant principal.

"Compromised" heat tape listed as cause of early Monday house fire in town of Chautauqua...
An early morning house fire in the town of Chautauqua was caused by "compromised" electrical heat tape.  However... County Fire Investigators say no one was hurt in the blaze at the residence on Willow Tree Point... which was called in shortly before 4:40 a.m. Monday.  Mutual aid was called in to assist Chautauqua firefighters at the scene.  Fire investigators were called in... and, determined the heat tape... which was on the home's exterior... triggered the flames.

Cooking accident leads to weekend house fire in Westfield...
A cooking accident in the kitchen of a Westfield home is the cause listed for a weekend fire.  Sheriff's officers say Westfield firefighters were called to the scene at 9 First St. in the village about 12:30 p.m. Saturday.  The county's Fire Investigation Team was later called in to determine the cause.  They say the cause was determined to be accidental.  Several mutual aid companies also responded.  No injuries were reported.

Matar, found guilty of trying to kill Salman Rushdie, to be sentenced in April...
The jury in the case of the man accused of stabbing author Salman Rushdie several times at Chautauqua Institution in 2022 has found him guilty.  The jury... which delibrated less than two hours... also found 27 year-old Hadi Matar guilty of assault for wounding a man who was on stage with Rushdie at the time.  Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt said Matar ran onto the amphitheater stage where Rushdie was about to speak on Aug. 12 of 2022, and stabbed him more than a dozen times before a live audience.  The attack left the 77-year-old prize-winning novelist blind in one eye.  Rushdie himself was the key witness during seven days of testimony, describing in graphic detail his life-threatening injuries and long and painful recovery.  As he was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs, Matar quietly uttered, "Free Palestine," echoing comments he has frequently made while entering and leaving the trial.  County Court Judge David Foley set a sentencing of Apr. 23.  Matar could receive up to 25 years in prison.

Borrello and Molitor walk picket line with corrections officers at Lakeview facility in Brocton...
Chautauqua County's two state lawmakers are standing in solidarity with striking corrections officers at the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Facility... as the work stoppage there nears a full week.  On Saturday... Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor visited the officers standing outside across from the facility in the town of Portland.  Borrello says he and Molitor want to make sure people across New York understand the danger these officers face on a daily basis... including forced overtime, and not having protections against dangerous inmates.  He says the governor needs to act on the matter... first of all to repeal, or at least amend, the HALT Act.  Officers at Lakeview and a handful of other prisons across the state have made a list of demands to Governor Kathy Hochul, including repealing the HALT Act and using scanning machines to inspect outside packages.  Molitor says it's a reasonable list of demands... adding that the strike is about safety... not money.  Meanwhile... Borrello says Republican lawmakers on Monday plan to attach a bill to repeal the HALT Act to another bill and use it as a "hostile amendment" to force Democrats in Albany to debate it.  The Sunset Bay Republican says he hopes it will force Democrats to confront what they've done to make corrections facilities less safe.  Both Borrello and Molitor have called on Hochul to use her power to suspend the HALT Act.

City man faces Leandra's Law violation after being found unresponsive behind the wheel with young child in car...
A Jamestown man faces a Leandra's Law violation after he was found, unresponsive, behind the wheel of a car with a small child in the back seat.  City police were called to the area of Foote Avenue and Allen Street about 12:20 p.m. Saturday for an unresponsiive man possibly overdosing on drugs.  On arrival... police found the car... and, driver... identified as 23 year-old Samuel Buck... and the child in the back seat.  Officers say the car was still running -- and in gear -- when they arrived.  They administered aid to the driver... and, took the child to safety.  The child was turned over to a family member a short time later.  Police say they found that Buck was under the influence of drugs... and, he was arrested after being treated at the hospital.  He's charged with Felony DWAI under Leandra's Law... and, endangering the welfare of a child.

Man and woman arrested on drug charges following traffic stop in Jamestown...
A traffic stop on Jametown's southside late last week has led to the arrest of a man and a woman after they were allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine.  City police say a patrol in the area of Linden and Forest Avenues spotted the car... which had equipment violations... shortly after 7 p.m. Friday.  Officers say they identified the pair as 35 year old Lilliana Rivera-Lopez... and, 41 year old Jason Nevares.  Their investigation found both in possession of meth... and, police later found Nevares in possession of an ounce of cocaine.  Nevares was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, one of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Police charged Rivera-Lopez with one count of seventh-degree criminal drug posession.  She was issued an appearance ticket... while Nevares was jailed pending arraignment in city court.

Brocton man arrested for pizza shop burglary...
A Brocton man has been arrested for allegedly breaking into a pizza shop in the village... and, stealing money from inside the cash register.  Sheriff's officers were called to the scene at Pizza Guru's at 16 East Main Street shortly before 4 a.m. Wednesday... and, found that entry had been forced through the rear door... and, the suspect damaged the cash register to take the money inside.  Members of the department's Criminal Investigation Division were called in... and, used boot impressions to help identify the suspect as 25 year-old Tyler Daulton of 49 Smith St.  Officers add they also used video footage from a nearby business that showed him leaving the building where the pizzeria's located... and, going into a residence.  Daulton was arrested for third-degree burglary... petty larceny... and, two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief.  He was jailed pending arraignment.

Closing arguments underway in Hadi Matar trial...
Closing arguments in the week-long trial of the New Jersey man accused of trying to murder Author Salman Rushdie are taking place today in Chautauqua County Court.  The prosecution wrapped up it's case against 27 year-old Hadi Matar Thursday after a week that saw Rushdie take the stand to describe the attack in August of 2022 at Chautauqua Institution's Amphitheater.  Rushdie suffered permanent injuries in the attack.  In addition... the lecturer's moderator... Henry Reese.. also testified.  A forensic scientist was the only person to testify on Thursday... after which both the prosecution and the defense rested their cases. 

Dunkirk man arrested for menacing with a knife at UPMC Chautauqua Hospital...
A north county man faces multiple charges... including menacing and illegal possession of a weapon... following a weekend incident at UPMC Chautauqua Hospital.  Jamestown police were called to the 207 Foote Ave. location about 1 a.m. Saturday on a report of a "disorderly male" with a knife.  Officers say.... on arrival... they were told that 33 year-old Nathaniel Hollins, Jr. of Dunkirk... had broken a window in the hospital.  He's also accused of threatening staff with the knife.  Officers made contact with Hollins... and, were able to disarm him before taking him in to custody without further incident.  He was taken to the city jail pending arrignment on charges of second-degree menacing... third-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, third-degree criminal mischief.

Molitor and Borrello critical of Gov. Hochul regarding DOCCS Strikes...
With strikes going on at about 30 state prisons across New York state, including the Lakeview Correctional Facility near Brocton, Chautauqua County's two state lawmakers are taking Gov. Kathy Hochul to task over policies they say have led to this crisis.  Assemblyman Andrew Molitor says Democratic policies like the HALT Act have caused staffing shortages at prisons to spiral out of control, and conditions are getting more dangerous for the workers.  The HALT Act effectively ended solitary confinement in state prisons.  Hochul late Wednesday said she has now sent the New York National Guard to staff prisons where corrections staff have not returned to work.  Molitor called the move "heavy-handed."  State Senator George Borrello also blasted the move of sending guard troops to help keep order in the prisons.  The wildcat strikes began a few days ago... and the corrections workers union has said it did not call for the strikes... which violate New York's Taylor Law.

Langworthy also supports striking DOCCS workers...
Local Congressman Nick Langworthy has joined the chorus of lawmakers who are calling on New York to fix a seemingly broken state prison system.  Langworthy's district includes both the Collins Correctional, and Lakeview Shock facilities.  The Buffalo-area Republican says he's standing with corrections workers... many of whom have been protesting and striking those facilities.  However... he says their decision was not made lightly and comes after years of difficult working conditions.  Langworthy says state leaders have not only "turned their backs on you... they have made it harder for you to do your daily job... and, protect yourself."  He says he understands why their patience has run out... and, he told them to "stay strong."

City man charged with DWI following accident on I-86...
A Jamestown man faces a drunk driving charge following a weekend accident on Interstate 86 in the town of Ellery.  Sheriffs' officers say they were called to the scene about 11:30 p.m. last Saturday... and, found the operator involved was 31 year-old Brady Wesp.  Further investigation found Wesp to be Driving While Intoxicated.  Wesp was arrested and charged with DWI, and Moved from lane unsafely. Wesp will answer for his charges in the Town of Ellery Court on a later date and time.

Babe Ruth World Series for 13 year-olds to return to Jamestown in 2025...
The Babe Ruth World Series in returning to Jamestown this coming August.  The local Babe Ruth World Series Board of Directors say's it's proud to announce that the city will be hosting it's 20th tournament... this one featuring the 13 year-olds.  This will also be the 45th anniversary of the first 13-year-old series... which was held in Jamestown... in 1980.  The tournament will be held from Aug. 16-23.  The tournament will include the eight Regional Champions from across the United States -- New England, Middle Atlantic, Ohio Valley, Southeast, Southwest, Mid-West Plains, Pacific Northwest, Pacific Southwest -- and one International Team from Australia will arrive in Jamestown two days prior.  Joining these nine teams will be a Host Team from the Jamestown area. 

State lawmakers from region critical of Hochul's handling of State Corrections strikes...
With strikes going on at more than two dozen state prisons across New York, including the Lakeview Correctional Facility near Brocton, Chautauqua County's two state lawmakers are taking Governor Kathy Hochul to task over policies they say have led to this crisis.  Assemblyman Andrew Molitor says Democratic policies like the HALT Act have caused staffing shortages at prisons to spiral out of control, and conditions are getting more dangerous.  Molitor says it's become easier for people to bring in contraband, and, it's harder to discipline inmates when they violate the rules... and, there have been more attacks against corrections officers.  Hochul has said she will send in the New York National Guard to staff prisons if corrections staff didn't return to work by the end of the day Wednesday.  Molitor says the Governor’s threat is a "heavy-handed" one, and short sighted.  He says the corrections officers want is "to be dealt with fairly."  Molitor... a Republican from Westfield... says if Hochul sat down and talked with corrections officers, that would be a better approach.  As of Tuesday... the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision staff at 25 state prisons were on strike.

Man and woman in Jamestown arrested on drug charges following traffic stop...
A man and woman have been arrested on drug-related charges after their car was spotted commiting several traffic infractions on Jamestown's northside last Saturday night.   City police say officers saw the vehicle... operated by 37 year-old Hector Carrillo-Santos... in the area of East Eighth, and North Main Streets shortly before 7 p.m.  Officers conducted the stop... and, found Carrillo-Santos in possession of a quantity of Fentanyl... and, his passenger, 43 year-old Brenda Carrillo, in possession of methamphetamine pills.  Both were taken to the city jail and arraigned.  Carrillo-Santos is charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation... and, multiple vehicle and traffic infractions.  Carrillo was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Both were released with appearance tickets as per state Bail Reform.

Ecklund says city has plenty of road salt, and, conversion to brine is going "smoothly..."
Many communities across New York state have been dealing with a road salt shortage due to issues with a vendor.  However... the city of Jamestown has not seen those problems this Winter... and, has nearly completed a switch over to using brine to beat the ice and snow.  That from Mayor Kim Ecklund... who says the transition so far has been "smooth..." adding the Public Works Dept. has been able to convert eight trucks so far to disperse brine on the roads.  Ecklund says the city's had no real issues getting salt to put on Jamestown streets.  She says the problem is more with changable conditions... going from unseasonably warm to bitter and frigid temperatures.  Ecklund says the problem is one day it's 37 degree out... then a couple of days later it's 10.  The freeze thaw cycles also haven't done city and other local streets any good, either.  While people have complained a lot about East Second Street... Ecklund says that Willard Street is also very rough.  Ecklund made her comments for last weekend's "Community Spotight" program on the six Media One Radio Group stations. 

City woman arrested on warrants...
A woman from Jamestown has been arrested on multiple warrants after she was seen walking along a city street late Monday night.  Jamestown police say patrol officers spotted 23 year-old Hayden Guichard walking with another person on East Second Street about 9:45 p.m., and, knew there were outstanding bench warrants for her arrest.  Police say when they approached Guichard on the street... she clung to the other person... and, then found with the officer involved.  She was arrrested on the warrants... and, for resisting arrest.  She was jailed pending arraignment.

Carlson inducted into CSHOF, now looking forward to getting back on football field...
For the first time in four years... Chicago Bears Tight End, and Jamestown-native Stephen Carlson is healthy... and, ready to play football again.  Carlson was one of the nine newest members of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame to be inducted Monday night... and, calls it a great honor to be part of it.  As for his health... Carlson told us that he was just cleared to resume workouts and play about three-weeks ago... after healing up from a bone he broke in his shoulder about mid-season last Fall.  Carlson began his career with the Cleveland Browns... but, later became a free agent after his knee was injured in 2021.  He says he's a free agent next month... but hopes to be back with the Bears, where he has gained a lot of respect.  Carlson is a 2015 graduate of Jamestown High School... and, a 2019 graduate of Princeton University,  He's played 26 games in the NFL... including seven starts with Cleveland from 2019-2020.  He played one regular-season game for the Bears in 2023.

Snow and blowing snow cause tricky travel in Dunkirk-Fredonia area...
At last word... a Travel Advisory remains in effect in parts of the north county due to several inches of snow being blown around... and, it forced the closing of two schools.  Dunkirk officials issued the advisory late Monday... and, the city has now received about 6 to 7 inches of new snow the 24 hours prior to Noon Tuesday.  Both the Dunkirk City Schools... and Northern Chautauqua Catholic School closed for the day.  Fredonia is on a one-hour delay.  The most snow in the area was reported in Perrysburg... which had 8 inches of snow by this morning.  The immedate Jamestown-area got 1 to 2 inches overnight.  Our "cold weather advisory" continued until 10 a.m. Tuesday for most of Western New York... including Chautauqua County... with minus double-digit wind chills. 

Nine newest inductees honored at Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner in Lakewood Monday night...
There are now nine new members of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame following last night's annual Induction Dinner at the Lakewood Rod-and-Gun Club.  Several sports were represented... including Tennis.  Lakewood native Tom Anderson was a stand-out at Southwestern High School... and SUNY at Brockport.  He also headed up the Lakewood YMCA for three-decades... and, says being inducted... means a lot.  Anderson says he knows most of the people, and all they're accomplished in their areas, and called it a "great, great honor."  High School girls and women's college sports was represented by Mayville native Jessica Anderson... who now lives in Orchard Park... and, teaches in the North Tonawanda School District.  She says it's great to be honored by the hometown area.... because she remembers visting the Hall of Fame when it was located in the Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood when she was still in high school.  Baseball was represented by Jamestown native Anthony Barone... who coached at Jamestown Community College... and, later the Tarp Skunks.  He's now with the Milwaukee Milkmen.  Two of the inductees came from professional football.  One is Jamestown native Stephen Carlson... who plays for the Chicago Bears.   Head Coach Nick Sirianni of the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles was unable to attend... so his acceptance speech was pre-recorded.  The other inductees included former local coach and softball stand-out Ron Frederes... national champion heavy athlete Nick Kahanic... former JHS and University of Buffalo football stand-out Aaron Leeper... and, 1960s and 70s JHS football and basketball stand-out Mark Edstrom.

Ohio woman arrested after snowmoblie accident for allegedly riding while intoxicated...
A woman from Ohio is accused of operating her snowmobile while intoxicated after she was stopped on a trail in the town of Chautauqua late weekend for riding without a helmet.  Sheriff's deputies say their Snowmobile Patrol stopped 50 year-old Cynthia Wasson of Fairlawn, Ohio on the trail off West Lake Road about 8:30 p.m. last Saturday.  During the investigation... officers say they found that Wasson was operating the snowmobile while drunk.  In addition... they say Wasson's snow machine was uninsured and unregistered.  She was arrested on charges including: operating a snowmobile while intoxicated... operating a snowmobile without proper safety equipment... and, operating without insurance.

City woman arrested following northside domestic incident...
A Jamestown woman has been arrested following a domestic incident in which she damaged another person's property... and, refused to comply with officers several times.  City police say they were called to a northside residence just after 6:30 last Friday night for a physical domestic incident.  Officers say they found the suspect... 50 year-old Danielle Middaugh... had damaged the victim's property.  They add she failed multiple times to comply with their commands during the investigation.  Middaugh was arrested for fourth-degree criminal mischief... and, second-degree obstructing governmental administration.  She was jailed pending arraignment.

Ross out at U.S. Attorney in Western New York; Violanti in as Acting U.S. Attorney...
There is a new, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York... with SUNY Fredonia graduate Trini Ross leaving the position.  The U.S. Attorney's Office has announced that Joel Violanti is now Acting U.S. Attorney.  Ross was nominated to head up the regional office by former President Joe Biden in July of 2021... and, confirmed by the U.S. Senate in September of that year.  The Buffalo native is the first black woman to hold the position.  She says "it's been the honor of a lifetime to serve in this position as the top law enforcement officer in the Western District of New York, my home, where I was born and raised and have spent the majority of my life."  Ross adds that -- "serving in this particular office was also special because I started my career as a federal prosecutor here in 1995."  Ross is credited with heading up the prosecutions of people such as David Jakubonis... the man who attacked current EPA Secretary... and, former Gubernatorial candidate... Lee Zeldin.  She also led the federal investigations into the Top's Market mass shooting in Buffalo involving Peyton Gendron... and, locally the attack by Hadi Matar on Author Salman Rushdie at Chautauqua Institution in Aug. of 2022.

City man riding bicycle in Jamestown last weekend arrested for drug possession...
A man from Jamestown faces multiple drug-related charges following a traffic stop on the city's eastside late last Saturday night.  Jamestown police say they spotted 29 year-old Zachary Graves riding a bicycle in the area of East Sixth and Grant Streets shortly after 10 p.m., when he tried to flee on the bike.  Officers say they chased Graves about half-a-mile before finally stopping him.  Once caught... police say he tried to assume another person's identity because he was sought on a city court warrant.  However... officers were quickly able to identify him... and, took him into custody without further incident.  Before being taken to the city jail... police searched him and allegedly found him in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine.  Graves is also accused of trying to conceal a quantity of cocaine inside the police vehicle.  Once inside the jail... he allegedly tried to conceal an additional quantity of cocaine and fentanyl.  Graves was arrested on charges including: third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, second-degree criminal impersonation.  He was jailed pending arraignment.

Jamestown man arrested following large fight on city's northside...
A city man has been arrested for disorderly conduct after Jamestown police saw him punching another man in the head several times during a fight on the city's northside.  Jamestown police were called to the 7-Eleven store at 518 North Main St. for a large fight just after 1 a.m. Sunday.  When they arrived... officers say they spotted 31 year-old Andrew Holcomb on top of the victim... and, repeatedly punching him.  Holcomb was arrested... and, issued an appearance ticket for city court at a later date.  The victim did not suffer any significant injuries.

Woman from Ohio arrested for Snomobiling while Intoxicated after being seen not wearing a helmet...
An Ohio woman has been arrested for snowmobiling while intoxicated after she was stopped on a trail in the town of Chautauqua for riding without a helmet.  Sheriff's officers say their Snowmobile Patrol stopped 50 year-old Cynthia Wasson of Fairlawn, Ohio on the trail off West Lake Road about 8:30 p.m. last Saturday.  During the investigation... they determined that Wasson was operating the Snowmobile while drunk.  In addition... they say the snowmobile Wasson was operating was uninsured and unregistered.  She was arrested for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated... operating a snowmobile without proper safety equipment... operating a snowmobile without insurance, and having an unregistered snowmobile.  Wasson was issued appearance tickets for Chautauqua Town Court.

City man arrested for allegedly wielding a knife while holding a child...
A Jamestown man has been arrested following a domestic incident during which he was holding a child in one arm... and, swinging a knife with the other.  City police were called to an eastside home just after 3 a.m. Saturday for a domestic dispute... and investigated.  Officers say they arrested 27 year-old Victor Andino for endangering the welfare of a child... and, he was taken to the city jail pending arraignment.

Wendel details reasoning behind announcement of re-election bid...
Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel says he loves what he's doing... and loves what he's been able to do with the county, which he says is moving forward in a positive way.  That's part of why Wendel has decided to run for re-election.  He is touting more than $1.6-billion in economic development and lower taxes since taking office, but adds there's more work to do.  Wendel says they just completed the airport report, and he hopes to have some good news on that in the coming months.  The Lakewood Republican adds that continued economic development will be his key goal.  He says they have some additional shovel-ready sites... including one in the Mason Industrial Park.  He says there's also on location underway development in Ripley.  Along with work on Chautauqua Lake... Wendel says he also plans to focus on improving the county's housing stock.  Wendel is seeking a second full term in the county's top-elected post after he was appointed in January 2020 to fill out the rest of current State Senator George Borrello's term.

Jamestown man arrested for arson following incident at town of Ellicott business...
A city man is accused of setting an arson fire inside a business in the town of Ellicott early last week.  Town Police say they were called to the unidentified business shortly after 6 p.m. this past Tuesday for a suspicious fire.  Officers say their investigation showed that 34 year-old Ronald Greene, Junior of Jamestown had gone into the store... and, intentionally lit the fire during business hours.  Police say they found Greene a short time later... and, he was arrested on one count of second-degree arson.  He was taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment. 

City woman arrested following domestic incident on northside...
A Jamestown woman has been arrested following a domestic incident in which she damaged another person's property... and, refused to comply with officers several times.  City police say they were called to a northside residence just after 6:30 p.m. last Friday for a physical domestic incident.  Officers say they found the suspect... 50 year-old Danielle Middaugh... had damaged the victim's property.  They add she failed multiple times to comply with their commands during the investigation.  Middaugh was arrested for fourth-degree criminal mischief... and, second-degree obstructing governmental administration.  She was jailed pending arraignment.

Second set of remains in town of Portland identified, Buffalo man arrested for one of the death's now indicted for that, and the second death...
A grand jury has now indicted a Buffalo man on two counts of second-degree murder in connection with two sets of human remains discovered in the town of Portland in September 2021.  Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane announced the indictment of 62-year-old Richard Fox during a Thursday press conference in Buffalo.  Keane says Fox allegedly strangled both victims, whose remains were found in a wooded area off Woleben Road.  Keane also revealed that the identity of one of the sets of remains was Cassandra Watson, who was about 40 years old at the time of her death in either 2003 or 2004.  He says the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office continued to investigate records, and used DNA evidence, and found that Watson had lived with Fox while both were in Buffalo.  The other set of remains belonged to 50-year-old Marquita Mull, who was last seen in Buffalo in June 2021.  Fox was charged in January by the Buffalo Police Department for Mull's death.  Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone credited his investigative team and other law enforcement agencies for their work on the case... which involved exhuming the bodies, and getting DNA evidence.  Quattrone added that his department will continue investigating the case during the trial and uncover any new evidence.

Jamestown man arrested for allegedly menacing domestic involving sledgehammer...
A city man has been arrested following a domestic incident on Jamestown's eastside during which he allegedly menaced the victim with a sledge hammer.  City police say they were called to the scene shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday for an "in-progress" domestic.  They found that 24 year-old Ronald Maund had gotten into a verbal confrontation... which they say escalated to Maund shutting off the electricity to the home where the victim and three juvenile children live.  Officers say Maund exacerbated the situation more by threatening physical harm and menacing the victim with the sledge hammer in front of the children.  While trying to arrest him... police say Maund became combative.  But... he was then swiftly taken into custodyl on one count each of second-degree manacing and criminal tampering... third-degree criminal possession of a weapon... three counts of endangering the welfare of a child... and, resisting arrest.  Maund was jailed pending arraignment.

Westfield man arrested on several drug and resisting arrest charges following traffic stop in Dunkirk...
A man from Westfield man is jailed on $60,000 cash baill after he allegedly fled from police during a traffic stop in Dunkirk late last week.  Dunkirk Police pulled over a vehicle in the 300 block of Eagle Street shortly after 8:45 p.m. Friday... and, found that the driver, 36-year-old Mark Baker II... had an active warrant for a probation violation from the Erie County Sheriff's Office.  Officers tried to take Baker into custody, but he allegedly drove off at a high rate of speed -- south on Eagle Street.  Baker allegedly ran several stop signs and lights and failed to yield to an eastbound vehicle on West 6th Street.  Baker's vehicle struck the eastbound vehicle at the intersection, injuring that driver and damaging a fire hydrant which resulted in significant water discharge.  Officers say Baker then ran off, but, was taken into custody by police near the crash scene.  Further investigation turned up more than half an ounce of fentanyl, over half an ounce of cocaine, drug paraphernalia and other items... as well as cash consistent with street-level drug sales.  Baker faces charges including:  second-degree obstruction... and, reckless endangerment... third-degree unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle... and, two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Gillibrand introduces legislation to cap annual out-of-pocket prescription drug prices...
New York's junior U.S. Senator has announced a proposal she says would cap the annual out-of-pocket cost of prescription drugs for both individuals and families with private insurance.  Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, held a virtual press conference Wednesday to announce the "Capping Prescription Costs Act..." which she says would help save on the annual out-of-pocket cost for both individuals and families with private insurance.  Gillibrand says the measure is needed because President Trump is rolling back initiatives that make health care more affordable for working families.  She adds "I am proud to be introducing this legislation to address the astronomical cost of prescription drugs.  No American should ever have to risk their health by skipping refills or rationing life-saving medication because they can’t afford it."

Sirianni unable to attend CSHOF Induction Dinner, gets Congressional Recognition from Langworthy...
Jamestown-area native... and, Super Bowl-winning Head Coach Nick Sirianni was recognized on the floor of the U.S. House of Represenatives Wednesday.  Local Congressman Nick Langworthy lauded Sirianni during the session... noting that Sirianni came from a small, rural area of Western New York to achieve the biggest win in pro football.  Langworthy says Sirianni's success isn't just measured in wins... but, also in the message he sends to kids in small town America that "no dream is too big."  Sirianni will be recognized next Monday as a member of the new class of inductees to the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.  Hall of Fame President Randy Anderson shared a statement from Sirianni late Wednesday... which reads in part -- "I regret to inform my friends and supporters from home that I will be unable to attend Monday's Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame banquet.  The demands on my time after the Super Bowl victory make it impossible to travel."  Randy Anderson recently told us that the demands on Sirianni now include having to replace his offensive coordinator... who was recently hired to be the Head Coach of the New Orleans Saints. 
 

Wendel announces run for re-election this November...
Chautauqua County's top-elected official has announced that he's seeking re-election to a second, 4-year term in office.  In a printed statement issued late Tuesday... County Executive P-J Wendel said -- "for the past four years... it's been an honor and a privilege to serve as your County Executive, and I am pleased to announce that I will be running again."  He added that "together, we are creating a stronger economy, a stronger community, and a better place to raise a family right here in Chautauqua County."  The Lakewood Republican says he's proud of what we have already accomplished, but there is still much work to do."  He touted the ability to reduce the county's tax rate every year since he took office... improving services... and presiding over a time where businesses investment has totaled more than $1.5-billion.  Wendel was appointed in January of 2020 to fill out the remaining term of former Executive, now State Senator, George Borrello.  He was then successfully elected into the position during the November 2020 election... and, was re-elected again in November 2021. 

Rushdie provides graphic detail of attack on stage at Chautauqua...
On the second-day of testimony in the case against the man who allegedly tried to kill him at Chautauqua Institution two-years ago... Author Salman Rushdie took the stand.  Testifying for the prosecution... Rushdie described in graphic detail the frenzied moments in 2022 when a masked man rushed at him on the amphitheater stage... and repeatedly slashed him with a knife, leaving him with terrible injuries and fearful he would die.  Rushdie took the stand during the trial of 27 year-old Hadi Matar, who has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault in the attack that also wounded another man.  It was the first time since the stabbing that the 77-year-old author found himself in the same room as the man accused of trying to kill him.  Rushdie recalled feeling "a sense of great pain and shock, and aware of the fact that there was an enormous quantity of blood that I was lying in" after the attack.  He says the people who subdued his assailant likely saved his life.
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Assistant Public Defender Lynn Schaffer, who is representing Matar, began the cross examination by asking the Booker Prize-winning author about his career.  The questioning was brief, low-key and for a moment friendly.  The only hint at a possible defense strategy was a question about whether trauma can affect memories.  No one asked Rushdie to identify his attacker in court and he declined to be interviewed as he left the courthouse after about an hour of testimony. 

City man arrested following weekend domestic dispute on westside...
A Jamestown man has been arrested after allegedly punching a hole in a wall during a domestic dispute on the city's westside last Sunday night.  Jamestown police were called to the scene about 8 p.m., and, spoke with the victim.  After further investigation... they arrested 37 year-old Timothy Press for fourth-degree criminal mischief for punching the wall inside the residence.  He was taken to the city jail pending arraignment.

Borrello says HEAT Act likely to be reintroduced this year, and may be taken up by Assembly...
A bill designed toward pushing New York State to transition away from natural gas has been reintroduced in the State Senate.  The New York Home Energy Affordable Transition -- or HEAT Act made it through the Senate during last year's state legislative session  However... no action was taken in the Assembly.  Senator George Borrello fears that the measure may see the light of day in the lower chamber this year.  He believes the measure is "incredibly dangerous" for New York... because it won't save New Yorker's money due to the need to convert items powered by gas to electric.  Borrello... a Sunset Bay Republican... says a transition towards electrification would be devastating for Western New York because natural gas remains a "low-cost" way to heat homes... our water... and, run manufacturing plants.  Proponents of the bill say it would require the state's Public Service Commission to cap customers' energy costs at 6% of their household income.  It would also eliminate a rule requiring utilities to provide gas service to new customers -- if they are within 100 feet of a gas line for free.

Borrello calls on Hochul to Veto bill that would delay Special Election for New Yorki's 21st Congressional District...
State Senator George Borrello has called on Governor Kathy Hochul to veto an effort by legislative Democrats to manipulate elections and silence voters through new legislation that would delay special elections for elective office vacancies.  Borrello says... under current law... the governor must call a special election within 90 days to ensure voters aren’t without representation for longer than necessary.  The Sunset Bay Republican noted in his letter that Hochul had no issue following this law when filling the recent vacancies left by Brian Higgins and George Santos... but, now, Democrats want to change the rules in light of an impending vacancy in the 21st congressional district in order to give a political advantage to congressional Democrats.  Borrello says "this isn’t about saving money or increasing turnout — it’s about rigging the system.  New Yorkers deserve full representation, not partisan games.”

Rushdie takes stand in case against Hadi Matar, the New Jersey man accused of trying to kill him...
Author Salman Rushdie took the stand on the second-day of the attempted murder trial of the New Jersey man accused of stabbing him multiple times two years ago on the amphitheater stage at Chautauqua Institution.  The trial of 27 year-old Hadi Matar began with opening statements, and witness testimony Monday to lay the groundwork for the prosecution's star witness.  Rushdie discussed the masked attacker as rushing the stage without warning... and, hitting him several times.  He soon after realized he was being stabbed when he fell on the stage in a pool of his own blood.  The Post-Journal reports that Public Defender Ned Barone did not give the defense's statement Monday because he was hospitalized over the past day with an illness.  The Assistant Public Defender asked for a delay... but, Chautauqua County Court Judge David Foley said the defense should be ready regardless... and, he ruled they were moving ahead.  Matar faces several state charges in the case... including second-degree attempted murder, after allegedly running onto the stage at Chautauqua and attacking Rushdie.  Rushdie suffered permanent injuries in the incident... including the loss of an eye.

City officials say they have verbal agreement with state DOT on doing half of the emergency patching of potholes on East 2nd Street...
The New York state Department of Transportation has agreed to go "halves" with the city of Jamestown in doing emergency patching on East Second Street.  The state road has been plagued this Winter with numerous potholes... ruts and other deterioration from freeze-thaw cycles.  That from City Council Public Works Committee Chairman Randy Daversa... who says a DOT crw was on-scene Monday.  Daversa says, if the city did it alone, would be costly and use up a lot of manpower.  Acting Public Works Director Mark Roetzer says DOT officials were agreeable to having them do half the work on the thoroughfare... which has been the focus of numerous complaints in recent weeks.  However... he says this is a temporary solution to get the street to the start of the DOT's major, reconstruction of the roadway.  Mayor Kim Ecklund says while the city is required to handle the basic "maintenance" of East Second Street... the state is responsible for any total reconstruction of the road.  Ecklund says the "maintenance" end of the street only allows the city to cold patch potholes temporarily... and, keep the street plowed. 

City Council reviewing new Local Preservation Ordinance...
The Jamestown City Council is reviewing a proposed, Local Preservation Ordinance that was recently put on the agenda for two of the council's standing committees.  The new ordinance was recently discussed, and tabled by the council's Housing and Public Safety Committees last week.  It would include a new, city Preservation Board, which hasn't yet been established.  With a number of historic buildings already being used in the city... the question was raised about how much input business leaders and landlords would have.   Council Housing Commitee Chairman Bill Reynolds says the city's principal planner, Ellen Shadle, will talk with the Planning Commission at it's meeting next week.  The ordinance is currently more than 40-pages long.  However... City Development Director Crystal Surdyk says it's not meant to be restrictive for such things as window replacement.  Surdyk says there would be no restrictions if improvements are paid for by the owner or developer themself.  She says having a designation is needed to receive state or federal funding for a project involving that structure.  The creation of new historic districts or amendments to existing historic districts would reportedly have to go through review by the city’s principal planner... a preservation board... the Planning Commission and the City Council.  Reynolds agreed with resident Peter Miraglia's comments that the proposal needs more input from property owners.

Rollover accident in town of Poland sends woman to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital...         
A woman from Falconer had to be treated at a local hospital for injuries suffered when her car went off Route 394 in the town of Poland Monday morning and rolled over.  Sheriff's deputies say they were called to the location shortly after 9 a.m., and, located the driver, 36 year-old Amanda Wickstrom, at the scene.  Officers say they found that Wickstrom failed to negotiate a curve... and, the vehicle went off the roadway and overturned.  Wickstrom was evaluated at the scene and taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for further treatment.  She was issued appearance tickets for Poland Town Court at a later date.

Altercation in North County leads to several charges against town of Pomfret man...
A north county man faces numerous charges... including menacing and weapons possession... following an altercation in the town of Villanova Sunday morning.  Sheriff's officers were joined by State Police in Fredonia in responding to the location on Route 83 about 10:30 a.m.  They made contact with the suspect... 20 year-old Tucker Bauer of Pomfret... on arrival.  Following an investigation... Bauer was arrested for second-degree harassment and menacing... fourth-degree criminal mischief... fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon... second-degree strangulation and, unlawful imprisonment... and, endangering the welfare of a child.  He was taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment.

Matar trial underway without lead Public Defender due to hospitalization...
There was a brief delay in the start of opening statements this morning in the attempted murder trial of the New Jersey man accused of stabbing famed author Salman Rushdie two years ago at Chautauqua Institution.  The Jamestown Post-Journal reports it was because lead Public Defender Ned Barone had taken ill... and, had to be hospitalized.  The paper says after some back-and-forth with Chautauqua County Court Judge David Foley... he decided to proceed... and, the jury was brought in for opening statements.  The 27 year-old Matar faces several state charges in the case... after allegedly running onto the stage at Chautauqua and attacking Rushdie in August of 2022.  Rushdie suffered permanent injuries in the incident... including the loss of an eye.
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The final three jurors, and four alternated... were seated for the trial last Friday after five were selected on Thursday.

Homeless woman arrested for assault with paint can in Jamestown...
A homeless woman has been arrested in Jamestown for allegedly breaking windows... and, threatening some residents on the city's westside late last Saturday night.  Jamestown police were called to the area of West 10th and Washington Streets about 11 p.m. for a woman breaking windows in the area.  Officers say they identified the woman after they arrived on scene as 43 year-old Vanessa Braun... and, then assessed the damage, and spoke with the victims.  Police took Braun into custody without incident.  Officers say their investigation showed that Braun had gone to a home... and, began breaking windows with a paint can.  When confronted by the home owners... they say Braun then began chasing them with the paint can and struck one of the victims with the can, causing injuries.  She then allegedly tried to follow the victim into the home and was trying to force entry.  Braun is charged with second-degree assault... second-degree attempted burglary... second-degree menacing... third-degree criminal mischief... and, third-degree reckless endangerment.  Police say Braun had been arrested three times in the previous two days.  She was jailed pending arraignment.

Jamestown man arrested on drug charges during probation check...
A city man who is on federal probation has been arrested for allegedly being found in possession of illegal narcotics during a probation check late Thursday.  City police say they assisted U.S. Probation in checking on 53 year-old William Rivera Rodriguez... who is an eastside resident... shortly after 10 p.m.  Officers say a search of the home uncovered 26.7-grams of cocaine... packaging materials... digital scales and cash... suspected to be proceeds of narcotic sales.  Rodriguez was taken into custody without incident and transported to the city jail... pending arraignment on charges of third and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, first-degree criminally using drug paraphernlia.  He was issued an appearance ticket... but, additional federal charges are expected at a later date.

Sirianni wins at Super Bowl with a handful of local connections to the game...
The Buffalo Bills did not make it to the Big Game... but, there was still a strong local connection to this year's Super Bowl game in New Orleans.  You may already know that Southwestern High School alum Nick Sirianni is the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, who won the Big Game last night, 40-22.  What's maybe lesser known is that former Jamestown High School football stand-out David Hinson is a key member of the defending two-time Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs.  That from Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame President Randy Anderson... who adds Hinson is a member of the local hall already.  Sirianni is to be inducted one week from tonight at the hall's annual banquet in Lakewood, although the likelyhood of him being there is unknown.  Sirianni has been head coach of the Eagles the past four years... and, Anderson says he's actually had one of the highest winning percentages of any NFL head coach during that time period.  This is the second-time in those four years Sirianni had guided the team to the "big game."

Office for Aging Services announces partnership Ring for doorbell, camera program to help provide local Seniors with more security while living at home...
The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services has announced it's taking part in a new, groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with USAging and Ring to provide greater safety to older adults and their caregivers.  OFAS Director Dana Corwin announced the collaboration with Ring to provide doorbells and cameras for qualified seniors that will enhance their "safety and independence."  Corwin says the program will provide 500 new Ring systems for residents aged 60 and older will have access to Ring a Video Doorbell or a Stick-Up Cam, provided free of charge, to help them age in place with greater peace of mind.  The initiative stems from USAging’s national partnership with Ring, announced earlier this year which included the donation of 5,000 Ring devices to 10 Area Agencies on Aging nationwide.  Chautauqua County's was one of those.  County Executive P.J. Wendel sees this as a way to enhance the quality of life for some 39,000 older county residents.  OFAS Home Care and Caregiver Support Coordinator, Michelle Swan, emphasized the program’s role in supporting older adults and their families... noting that "for many seniors and their caregivers, safety is a primary concern.  These devices offer a simple yet effective solution, enabling them to feel more secure while maintaining their independence."  For more information... call the Office for Aging Services NY-Connects number locally.

Icy conditions improve as temperatures pass freezing mark in Jamestown area
Road conditions have improved in the Jamestown area as we move into the Noon hour today after a thin sheet of ice covered cars, sidewalks... streets and other places in the area.  We have reports of a hand-ful of minor accidents... and, several cars off the road.  No injuries have been reported.  Our Winter Weather Advisory ends at 1 p.m.  

Three city residents arrested for meth possession during traffic stop...
Three people from Jamestown have been arrested after allegedly being found in possession of varying amounts of methamphetamine during a traffic stop.  City police say a patrol stopped the car in the area of East Second and Kipp Streets shortly before 2 a.m. Thursday for a traffic violation.  Officers say they found the driver -- 30 year-old Devan Huntington -- and his passengers... 27 year-old Janie Blakey... and, 43 year-old Tracy Griffin... were each in possession of a small quantity of meth.  They add that Blakey tried to give them a false name to conceal her identity while having an active City Court warrant for her arrest.  All three were taken into custody.  Once arriving at the jail... officers say they also found Huntington in possession of a large amount of meth that he had been concealing.  Police say Huntington tried to destroy the evidence... but, they recovered just over 51-grams of the illegal drug.  Huntington is charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and tampering with physical evidence.  Blakey is charged with second-degree criminal impersonation... and, both she and Griffin are charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Both Huntington and Blakey were jailed pending arraignment... and, Griffin was issued an appearance ticket for city court.

Nine jurors seated so far for Mater attempted murder trial...
Nine jurors have now been seated for the trial of the man accused of stabbing world-reknowned author Salmon Rushdie multiple times at Chautauqua Institution.  District Attorney Jason Schmidt's office says four more jurors were seated Wednesday... along with the five others seated on Tuesday.  Schmidt says three more jurors... and, four alternates need to be chosen for the local trial in Chautauqua County Court.  Matar is charged with second-degree attempted murder... and, second degree assault in connection with the stabbing on the Institution stage in August of 2022.  The New Jersey man is accused of running onto the stage... and, stabbing Rushdie several times... leading to permanent injury... including the loss of an eye.

Gillibrand critical of Trump administration's hiring freeze in wake of ongoing understaffing of Soc. Security, VA, and Medicare...
New York's Junior U.S. Senator is blasting the Trump Administration's hiring freeze as making a bad situation worse.  Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand says there is already an major understaffing of Social Security... the Dapartment of Veteran's Affairs... and, Medicare.  Specifically... Gillibrand noted that staffing at the Social Security Administration is already at a 27 year low.  She adds that  "millions of people rely on Social Security, Medicare and VA benefits through-out New York state.  Gillibrand says Mr. Trump’s hiring freeze risks increasing application processing times, wait times for appointments, and hold times for phone calls.  She says she's written the administration to get some answers as ranking member of the Senate's Aging Committee.  Gillibrand is asking what kind of impact are going to be seen on people who are entitled to those benefits.  The executive order was followed by a Jan. 28 email to 2-million federal employees offering them the option to resign, which would further cripple these agencies’ ability to serve the American people.  She added that "I am calling on President Trump to reverse course immediately."

Dunkirk Common Council approves hiring of new fire, and police chiefs...
The city of Dunkirk has a new police chief and fire chief.  The Common Council Tuesday unanimously approved the appointment of Chris Witkowski to lead the city's Police Department, and Nick Barter to head up the Fire Department.  Witkowski says he and Barter are ready to hit the ground running... and, he already has some goals.  Those are a comprehensive review of the department, and, create new goals due to the city's budget constraints.  Barter says there's a lot his department needs to get accomplished, including maintaining staffing levels throughout the course of the year.  He says a "walk-in" resolution the council passed at the end of the meeting will help with that to get firefighters trained, and keeping staffing where it needs to be.  The "MOU" is a memorandum of understanding authorizing the city to enter into an agreement with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Fire Prevention and Control.   Witkowski and Barter fill the positions that were previously held by Dave Ortolano and Mike Edwards, who both retired in late 2024.

O'Boyle named as interim Westfield Academy and Central School District Superintendent...
The Westfield Academy and Central Schools have named a new, interim superintendent familiar to the Jamestown-area.  The Westfield school board announced on it's Facebook page that Shelly O'Boyle has been named to fill in from Feb. 1 to Aug. 1... as the search for a permanent superindent is underway.  O'Boyle was formerly superintendent of the Frewsburg Central district.  The Facebook post says "with a wealth of experience and a passion for education, she will be a tremendous asset as we continue to work toward excellence for our students and community." 
 

City woman to spend a dozen years in federal prison for trafficking of a minor...
A woman from Jamestown has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after being convicted of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor.  U.S. Attorney Trini Ross announced Tuesday that 27 year-old Jasmin Osteen, received the 144 month sentence from U.S. District Judge John Sinatra, Jr.  Prosecutors say that ... between August and October 2020... Osteen conspired with others to coerce two 17-year-old minors to engage in commercial sex acts.  Osteen transported the minor victims to a hotel in Buffalo, where they were supplied with alcohol and drugs.  Ross says Osteen then contacted various clients, who each engaged in commercial sex acts with minor victims.  Osteen used Facebook to arrange for the commercial sex acts, and then received a majority of the proceeds.

City Council talks potholes, street conditions on East Second Street...
There's no doubt it's been an old-fashioned Winter... and, with a couple of freeze-thaw cycles...it's wreaked havoc on local roadways.  In the city of Jamestown... there are potholes and ruts in many places... but, the worst by far are on East Second Street.  That's a state highway... and, Mayor Kim Ecklund says they've been in touch with state lawmakers from the area... and, the Department of Transportation to speed up the DOT's major reconstruction job there.  She says it's a big project that's slated to begin later this year.  However... since it is a state road... and, we are in the middle of Winter... options for dealing with the street's condition is limited right now.  Acting City Public Works Director Mark Roetzer has been out of town... but, should return today... and, Ecklund plans to talk with him about the matter.  City Councilman Randy Daversa... who is retired from the Public Works Department... says until the asphalt plant is opened this Spring... they can only put cold patch into the holes.  Daversa says some limited milling, and hot patching could be done in the spring before the project is bidded out.  However... he says final milling and paving may not take place this year. 

Fredonia boil water order remains in effect...
At last word... the boil water order in the village of Fredonia remains in effect... and, likely will until at least late tonight.  That from Mayor Mike Ferguson... who says work was being done Tuesday to install the necessary parts to repair a blown pipe that caused a disruption in the chlorination system at the water treatment plant.  Ferguson says once those are done... you're still looking at two consecutive days of testing to make sure the water is good.  While Fredonia water customers will need to boil their water for drinking and cooking, Ferguson says the water is still okay for showering or doing laundry.

Molitor co-sponsors bill to allow schools to "opt out" of Electric Bus mandate...
A new bill in Albany would give school districts the option to opt out of New York State's zero-emission school bus mandate. The measure was announced during a press conference this week featuring the Assembly and Senate GOP conferences and a number of school superintendents. The legislation is co-sponsored by Assemblyman Andrew Molitor. He calls the measure a "common sense" fix, saying that many parts of the state are unable to comply with the mandate... and, it may keep them from competing in sports or other programs elsewhere in the state.  Molitor... a Westfield Republican.... adds that current electric vehicle technology has not caught up with what the state wants... and, he says diesel buses are still much cheaper, and more reliable.  Molitor also noted that while the electric bus mandate for schools starts in 2027... New York's state-owned vehicles are not mandated to convert to all electric until 2040.

Two former lawmakers in Jamestown, and Chautauqua County, have passed away...
We have a couple of passings to note... a former long-time member of the Chautauqua County Legislature... and, past chairman... has died.  Lance Spicer... a native of Falconer... died suddenly on Jan. 26 at Olean General Hospital at the age of 81.  He was an Ellicott Town Councilman before being elected to the legislature in 1978.  Lance was chairman from 1990 to 1995... and, chaired several committees.  He retired in 2008.  He was also a member of the Jamestown Community College Board of Trustees... and, also served as chairman for a time.  The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Falconer Funeral Home where the famillly will receive friends fro 5 to 7 p.m. Friday.
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And... former Jamestown public works employee and City Councilman George Spitale passed away at his home at the age of 77.  He worked for the DPW from 1969 to 2002.  He was elected to the City Council in 2005 and served until retiring in 2015.  The funeral for George Spitale was held yesterday in the Lind Funeral Home in Jamestown.