Flames destroy garage on W 12th Street in Jamestown...
Fire has destroyed a stand-alone garage on Jamestown's westside and the blaze remains under investigation.  City fire officials say crews were called to the scene at 36 West 12th St. shortly before 8 p.m. Thursday... and, found the structure fully-engulfed in flames.  An off-duty shift was called in... and, crews had the blaze under control quickly.  They were there just over and hour... and, investigators were called in.  No one was hurt and the nearby home was not damaged.  

JPS board approves $120.8-million budget for 2026-27 to go before district voters in May...
Voters in the Jamestown Public School district will vote next month on a $120.8-million, 2026-27 budget that again includes no tax levy increase.  Assistant Superintendent for Operations, Brittany Spry, adds, though, that the budget does include more than a dozen new positions... including administration at the district's Innovation Center at the former Rogers School.  An assistant principal and secretary would be added there... along with 14 others to include art, music, special ed, and middle school teaching positions.  Spry says they're able to add those positions because of additional state aid projected in New York's proposed budget.  She says they are going off the Governor's budget proposal since a final budget is not yet in place.  Spry adds that they also have plenty of reserve funds in case there is any kind of aid cuts in the future.  She says district officials are optimistic, though, because the legislature's final budget tends to include more school aid than the governor proposes.  She says the budget will be up for a public vote on May 19.  A public hearing on the budget will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12 at Persell Middle School.
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Also on the ballot that day will be two propositions for voters to act on.  Spry says one has to do with selling a piece of district property on Harrison Street to the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities.  The other proposition is one to adopt a budget for the James Prendergast Library that includes an increase.  Spry says the other side of the ballot on May 19 will include the candidates running for three seats on the Jamestown school board.

Dunkirk school board approves district budget for vote on May 19...
The Dunkirk City School District is moving ahead with a budget proposal that increases its tax levy by nearly 2%.  The school board this week adopted a $61.7-million, 2026-2027 spending plan... which increases spending by 1.86%, and includes a tax levy of just over $11-million.  Superintendent Brian Swatland says the district is using about $2.5-million in fund balance in order to close its budget gap for the coming year.  Swatland says it would be one of the smallest budget increases for the district in recent years.  He adds there's still uncertainty on how much state and federal funding the district will receive.  At the state level, Swatland says he's hopeful that a change in the state's Foundation Aid formula, which has been approved by the full legislature, gets included in the final spending plan.  The Dunkirk Budget hearing will be held on May 5 at 5 p.m., and the district-wide vote will be on May 19.

Pa. man arrested for allegedly choking another person during incident in Jamestown...
A man from Pennsylvania has been arrested for allegedly strangling another person during a domestic dispute on Jamestown's southside.  City police were called to the scene shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday... and spoke with both people involved.  Officers say their investigation found that 36 year-old Jared Eisenbrown had choked the victim during the incident to the point of almost losing consciousness.  Police say when they tried to take Eisenbrown into custody... he became combative and resisted.  After a brief struggle... officers say they arrested him without further incident... and, he was taken to the city jail pending arraignment on charges of second-degree strangulation... and, resisting arrest. 

Borrello blasts Hochul, and State DOCCS over former Lakewiew inmate now attacking six COs at Attica...
State Senator George Borrello is blasting Governor Kathy Hochul over a second attack in the past few weeks by an state corrections inmate.  In a press statement this morning... Borrello said the inmate most recently assaulted six officers at the Attica Correctional Facility... sending one to the hospital.  The Sunset Bay Republican adds this comes just weeks after the man "brutally attacking an officer and a civilian counselor" at the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Facility.  Borrello adds the inmate had not even been indicted for the first assault before he struck again.  He said -- quote -- "Two violent assaults. Two months.  And not even an indictment before it happened again.  Let that sink in.  Once again... the Governor fails to protect the very people who keep our correctional facilities running.  If any other employer in New York allowed employees to walk into conditions this dangerous, knowing the risks, ignoring repeated warnings, they would face serious consequences."  Borrello added that "it's time to stop ignoring warnings, repeal the HALT act, and restore accountability before someone pays an even higher price."

City woman dies in single-car crash on I-90 south of Buffalo...
A woman from Jamestown has been killed in a one-car crash on the New York State Thruway south of Buffalo.  State Police in Buffalo say they responded to the scene about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in the town of Evans.  Troopers say they found that a mini-van... operated by 69 year-old Linda Haney... was eastbound on the I-90 when the crash occured.  They say the vehicle left the driving lane and crossed into the passing lane before traveling onto the north shoulder and overturning.  Troopers say Haney was seriously hurt... and, was flown to the Erie County Medical Center where she later died.  State Police say their Bureau of Criminal Investigation is still actively investigating the collision.

Dunkirk man arrested following major drug raid in town of Pomfret...
A Dunkirk man faces multiple drug possession charges following a raid on a town of Pomfret home this past Tuesday.  Sheriff's officers say their narcotics investigators... along with those from Jamestown... executed a search warrant at 5341 Van Buren Rd. shortly before 10 a.m.  Outside the home... they found 43 year-old Andrew Betts... and he was detained.  Inside the home... investigatiors found 173.7-grams of fentanyl... 92.7 grams of methamphetamine... 37.5 dosage units of clonazepam, scales and packaging materials and nearly $1,200 in cash.  Betts was charged with two counts of both second and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... one of seventh-degree criminal possession... second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia... and, first-degree criminal nuisance.  He was taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment program.  Anyone with information about illegal drug -- or other criminal activity -- is asked to call the Sheriff's Office Narcotics Investigators Tip line at 1-800-344-8702 or 664-2420.  For the JPD tip linek... call 483-8477.

City lawmakers discuss possible remendies on ongoing deer isse in Jamestown...
It's been quiet in recent months... however... the issue of too many deer in the city of Jamestown has been raised up again to the City Council.  But.. in this case... New York state may soon be offering some help.  The Council's Public Safety Committee discussed the matter with one resident this week... and, Chairman Tony Dolce says lawmakers may -- or may not -- want to look at tackling it.  Dolce says there are three main issues to consider... the cost, how effective it may be, and the safety of the residents.  He adds that the way one community handles it doen't always work for everyone.  He says every city is unique, with some more spread out, and others with denser populations.  Mayor Kim Ecklund says there may be some help on the horizon with a proposal being considered by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.  She says it would involve more hunters being allowed to take more deer... and, extending the season for them.  Ecklund says the DEC has recognized that deer takes during recent hunting seasons has been down... and, that's allowed the deer population to grow.

Gillibrand leads another push for a war powers measure to end war in Iran...
Democrats in the U.S. Senate have seen a fourth effort to pass a resolution withdrawing forces from the conflict in Iran -- until Congress authorizes further action -- go down to defeat.  The measure was co-sponsored by New York Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand... who says the president and Congress need to focus on skyrocketing costs... including that for gasoline.  Gillibrand says it's putting further strain on working families, who are already struggling to make ends meet."  Whenever she gets back to New York state... she says people question why more isn't being down to reduce those prices... including a woman from Orange County... who's trying to make it on just social security with an ex-husband dealing with Parkinson's Disease.  She told Gillibrand that she's fearful she may have to sell their home if costs don't come down.  The current cease-fire ends in about a week... and, the war in Iran is heading towards the two-month old mark.  Gillibrand says she believes once that is reached... some Republicans may be ready to support the move.

Pair of woman arrested following fight in Lakewood's Hartley Park...
Two women have been arrested for allegedly fighting at Lakewood's Hartley Park in front of children this past Monday night.  Lakewood-Busti Police say they were called to the scene on Terrace Avenue about 8:20 p.m., and investigated.  Officers determined that Jessica Spagnualo, and Mackenzie Haskins were each at fault... and, both were arrested for second-degree harassment... disorderly conduct... and, five counts each of endangering the welfare of a child.  They were both issued appearance tickets for Busti Town Court at a later date.

Jamestown woman accused of driving drunk, leaving the scene following downtown accident...
A city woman is accused of driving drunk when her car crashed... and, then leaving the scene of the accident in downtown Jamestown.  City police say they were called to the scene shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday for a reported accident.  Officers say they were told one of the vehicles had left the scene... and, tracked it back to the owner's address.  Police say they then found the driver... identified as 36 year-old Leonela Rodriguez... and, determined that she had been driving while intoxicated at the time of the accident.  Rodriguez was arrested without incident for Felony DWI... leaving the scene of a property damage accident... and, unlicensed operation.  

State Legislature approves new budget extender, spending plan now two week's late... 
The New York state legislature has again approved a one-week budget extension as talks on a new spending plan continue.  Lawmakers approved the $3.4-billion extender late Monday... then adjourned as the Apr. 1 deadline gets further in the rear-view mirror.  Minority Republicans continue to blast the the process... which has included Governor Kathy Hochul... Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie... and, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.  Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra saying -- "each day that goes by without an approved state spending plan is a day Albany has failed.  Deadlines exist for a reason -- and everyday New Yorkers face consequences when they’re missed."  Ra urged the legislature to open up the process.

Jamestown man arrested for pulling another man from car... and, punching him several times during incident...
A city man has been arrested for allegedly pulling another man from his car... and, then punching him several times in the face.  Jamestown police were called to the scene at East Sixth and Winsor Streets about 4 p.m. Monday on a report of a fight.  Officers say their investigation found that 27 year-old Charles Dean had engaged in the fight after forcibly removing the man from his vehicle... and, then hitting him multiple times with a closed fist.  Dean was arrested without incident for third-degree assault.... and jailed pending arraignment.

Issue with deer brought before City Council committee...
The issue of too many deer in the city of Jamestown has been raised again before the City Council... but, the state may soon be offering some help.  The Council's Public Safety Committee discussed the matter with one resident this week... and, Chairman Tony Dolce says lawmakers may -- or may not -- want to look at tackling it.  Dolce calls is a "touchy issue" with many wanting some kind of action taken... but, many also worried about safety of an in-city harvest.  Dolce says there are a handful of suggestions for dealing the deer issue... but, he says no matter what is decided... cost will always be a factor.  Dolce adds that the way one community handles it doen't always work for everyone.  He says it depends on the amount of unused land there it, and the fact that one community that did a controlled hunt, really didn't solve the issue.  However... Mayor Kim Ecklund says there may be some help on the horizon with a proposal being considered by the state Department of Environmental Conservation to allow hunters to obtain more deer tags, and possibly extending the season so there can be a later take.  Ecklund says the DEC has recognized that deer takes during recent hunting seasons has been down.

Jamestown native, career worker in diplomatic services, named as new president at Chautauqua Institution...
A Jamestown native who has a long history with Chautauqua Institution has been named as the institution's new president.  The Institution's board has announced that Mark Coolidge Johnson -- a veteran U.S. diplomat and third-generation Chautauquan has been appointed to lead Chautauqua Institution -- beginning at the end of the 2026 Summer Season.  The chair of the institution's board, Laurie Branch, announced Johnson's appointment Tuesday... noting that he brings more than 30 years of diplomatic service as a Senior Foreign Service Officer... attorney and third-generation Chautauquan to the institution.  Currently... Branch says Johnson serves as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City -- the largest American diplomatic mission in the world -- where he oversees more than 3-thousand employees... nine consulates and nine consular agencies with a $282-million operating budget.  Johnson is the son of the late Joe Johnson, who served the Institution for 20 years as Vice President of Finance, and is also the grandson of a Chautauqua grounds engineer.  He holds a juris doctorate from American University’s Washington College of Law.  Johnson calls the appointment the "honor of a lifetime to return home and lead this extraordinary community into it's next chapter." 

City woman arrested for Felony DWI following personal injury accident in downtown Jamestown...
A woman from Jamestown has been arrested for allegedly driving drunk... and, leaving the scene of a property damage accident.  City police say they were called to a downtown business shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday for a reported accident.  Officers say they were told one of the vehicle had left the scene... and, tracked it back to the owner's address.  Police say they then made contact with the driver... identified as 36 year-old Leonela Rodriguez... and, found she had been driving while intoxicated at the time of the accident.  Rodriguez was taken into custody without incident... and, taken to the city jail pending arraignment on charges of DWI... leaving the scene of a property damage accident... and, unlicensed operation.  Officers add that Rodriguez has a previous DWAI conviction... making this a Felony.

Pair of women arrested in Lakewood for alleged fight in front of children...
Two women have been arrested for allegedly fighting at Lakewood's Hartley Park in front of children this past Monday night.  Lakewood-Busti Police say they were called to the scene on Terrace Avenue about 8:20 p.m., and investigated.  Officers determined that Jessica Spagnualo, and Mackenzie Haskins were each at fault... and, both were arrested for second-degree harassment... disorderly conduct... and, five counts each of endangering the welfare of a child.  They were both issued appearance tickets for Busti Town Court at a later date.

In a surprising turn of events, the historic cross from St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Jamestown, New York, has been returned after being stolen. This over 140-year-old artifact was tracked down by the Jamestown Police Department, who utilized surveillance footage from the church to make this critical recovery.

Despite the joy of its return, the details surrounding the theft remain a mystery, leaving many to wonder how such a significant piece of history could simply vanish. Church officials expressed their excitement at getting the cross back and are eager to restore it to its rightful place in the chapel—a spot it has graced since the late 1800s.

With such a storied past, one can't help but chuckle at the idea of this sacred item wanting a little adventure. Here's hoping the cross sticks around for another 140 years, without any further escapades!

Institution names Mark C. Johnson as it's 19th President...
A veteran U.S. diplomat and third-generation Chautauquan has been appointed to lead Chautauqua Institution into Its next chapter.  The chair of the institution's Board of Trustees, Laurie Branch, today announced the appointment of Mark Coolidge Johnson as the Institution’s 19th President.  The institution says Johnson brings more than 30 years of diplomatic service as a Senior Foreign Service Officer... attorney and third-generation Chautauquan to the institution.  Currently... Branch says the Jamestown native serves as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City -- the largest American diplomatic mission in the world -- where he oversees more than 3,000 employees... nine consulates and nine consular agencies with a $282-million operating budget.  Johnson is the son of the late Joe Johnson, who served the Institution for 20 years as Vice President of Finance, and is also the grandson of a Chautauqua grounds engineer.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Boston College and a juris doctorate from American University’s Washington College of Law.  Johnson calls the appointment the "honor of a lifetime to return home and lead this extraordinary community into it's next chapter."  Branch says "Mark’s exceptional career leading complex, large-scale organizations across the globe -- combined with his deep personal roots in this community and his genuine passion for Chautauqua’s mission -- make him the ideal leader for this moment."  Johnson is expected to assume the presidency after the 2026 Summer Assembly season. 

City man arrested for throwing cooking grease around kitchen, and threatening another person with a "dangerous instrument..."
A man from Jamestown has been arrested for allegedly throwing kitchen grease... and, threatening another person with a "dangerous instrument."  City police were called to a southside address about 6 p.m. Monday night for a report of a disorderly person.  Officers say they found that 31 year-old Kevin Lopez had thrown the grease around the kitchen and onto the floor.  Lopez is then accused of threatening the victim.  He was arrested for second-degree menacing... third-degree criminal tampering... and, fourth-degree criminal mischief.  He was jailed pending arraignment.

Forestville woman arrested for allegedly trying to assault a Sheriff's officer...
A woman from Forestville is jailed on $100,000 cash bail after allegedly trying to assault a Sheriff's deputy last Saturday afternoon.  Sheriff's officers say they responded to a welfare check at a Prospect Road address in the town of Villenova shortly before 5 p.m.  While at the scene... deputies say 41 year-old Kate Pinkowski became disorderly... and, started actively fighting with officers.  As a result... Pinkowski was taken into custody and charged with second-degree attempted assault.  She was taken to the county jail, and arraigned.  She also faces additional charges from the New York State Police.

Quattrone says search for Emerson continues more than three-weeks after his truck is found in lake...
The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office continues to conduct daily shoreline searches along Chautauqua Lake for a Lakewood man who has now been missing for more than a month.  That from Sheriff Jim Quattrone, who recently gave an update on the search for 64-year-old Daniel "Scott" Emerson.  Quattrone says crews have been operating on the premise that the investigation is now a recovery mission... because it appears likely that Emerson went into the lake with his truck.  They also want to try and find out why he was on the lake ice to begin with.  Emerson's truck was pulled from Chautauqua Lake on Mar. 20, but Emerson himself has not been found.   Quattrone says it remains unclear why Emerson went onto the ice on Chautauqua Lake.   However, he noted that Emerson may have become disoriented as the result of a crash prior to his disappearance.  Emerson was last seen in Lakewood on Mar. 3.

Preliminary work on total reconstruction of portion of East Second Street in Jamestown now underway...
Preliminary work has begun for New York state's total reconstruction project on East Second Street in Jamestown from East Fourth to Tiffany Avenue in Falconer.  Members of the City Council's Public Works Committee were updated on the Department of Transportation's project last night.  Mayor Kim Ecklund says the focus of the early work has been around the intersection of East Second and Fourth Streets.  Ecklund says they're starting work on curb cuts, infrastructure... and, she adds that a lot of that work has already been done.  She made her comments on last weekend's "Community Spotlight" program.  Public Works Committee Chairman Dan Gonzales says the main contractor, CatCo, began work on handicappred ramps... curb cuts... and crosswalks.  He urged residents to be aware of what's going on... and, where crews are.  Gonzales says it's still hoped that the approximately 3-mile long project... on what is also NYS Rte 394... will be done before Fall.  At the most... he says it should be done by the end of the year, or shortly after. 

City man accused of menacing another person with an axe...
A man from Jamestown who menaced another person with an axe during a recent altercation on the city's southside.  Jamestown police say they were called to the location the evening of Apr. 4 for a person with a weapon.  Officers say their investigation showed that 35 year-old Demetrius Goldsmith has threatened the victim with the axe... and, he was found inside the home.  Goldsmith was taken into custody without incident... and, charged with second-degree menacing... and, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  They also found that Goldsmith had an outstanding arrest warrant through Jamestown City Court.... and, say he was also held pending action on the warrant.
 

Fire destroys condemned home on Prendergast Ave; but, fire crews save two adjacent homes...
Fire has destroyed a vacant and condemned home on Jamestown's northside... but, quick work by firefighters saved two neighoring homes.  City Fire Battlion Chief Nate Alm says firefighters were called to the scene at 612 Prendergast Ave. shortly after 7 p.m. Friday... and, first arriving crews found the home fully-engulfed in flames... and they moved quickly to knock down the flames, and protect the two adjacent hmes.  Alm says the family living in one was safely evacuated... along with their pets.  He says an off-duty shift of 15 firefighters and a commander was called in to assist.  No injuries were reported... but, he says crews were at the scene for nearly five-and-a-half hours.  The cause is under investigation... and the home at 612 Prendergast will be torn down.

Man from Jamestown and woman from Buffalo indicted on federal drug conspiracy charges...
A man from Jamestown... and, a woman from Buffalo have been indicted on a federal charge for allegedly being involved in a narcotics conspiracy.  U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that a federal grand jury returned the indictment charging 41 year-old Brandon Murray... and, 35 year-old Latika Saintkitts... with narcotics conspiracy.  DiGiacomo says the charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison...  and a maximum of life. In addition, Saintkitts is charged with distribution of crack cocaine and fentanyl.  Prosecutors say that between 2021, and September 2024, Murray and Saintkitts conspired with others to possess and distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin.  In addition, in April of 2024, Saintkitts possessed and distributed crack cocaine... and, in June of that year... she possessed and distributed fentanyl.  Murray was detained... and, Saintkitts was released on conditions.

Charges now filed against man involved in stand-off last week in Fredonia...
Charges have now been filed against a man who barricaded himself for several hours inside a White Street home in the Village of Fredonia last week... prompting a shelter in place order for the area.  Fredonia Police say a White Street resident reported on Wednesday that 44-year-old Kyle Denhardt was unwanted... refused to leave her residence, and was possibly in possession of a handgun.  Officers responded... and, helped the woman off the property, then began communicating with Denhardt.  A perimeter was established and maintained with assistance from Dunkirk police... University Police... and State Police.  While the area was closed off to vehicle and pedestrian traffic, State Police Special Operations Response Teams were deployed... along with an Unmanned Aerial Systems unit.  After warrants were obtained, Denhardt surrendered peacefully after several hours of negotiations to a special State Police Team.  When police executed the search warrant, they discovered a large cache of weaponry, including a ghost gun, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, rifle parts, and related accessories.
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Denhardt, who is a resident of Maryland and South Carolina, faces charged including:  second-degree menacing... second-degree criminal trespass... second-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  He was taken to the county jail on $400,000 cash bail.

Woman arrested in town of Hanover for incident with stun gun...
A woman has been arrested for allegedly displaying an electric stun gun during an altercation in the town of Hanover.  Sheriff's officers say they were called to the scene about 7:30 a.m. last Thursday on a report of the incident.  Deputies say they found that 26 year-old Allyson Lycett had pulled out the stun gun during the altercation... and, was arrested for fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  Lycett was arraigned... and, issued an appearance ticket for Hanover Town Court at a later date.

Lake Property Owner's hold first meeting since court ruling "annuls" wetland regulations...
With last week's State Supreme Court ruling... the state Department of Environmental Conservation may have to do a full-blown environmental impact statement on any new wetland regulations.  That from Chautauqua Lake Property Owners Association president Jim Wehrfritz during the CLPOA's most recent meeting last Saturday in Bemus Point.  Wehrfritz says the court's annulment of the regulations "demand accountabilty."  Wehrfritz says the DEC may have to issue a "positive declaration..." meaning that the regulations would have to consider economic and social issues in those regulations.  Wehrfritz... however... cautioned that if the DEC were to implement new wetland regulations.. they would be more "broadbased" because it would have to be for the entire state.  He later focused on the June 2024 plan for the lake proposed by Dr. Robert Richardson at North Carolina State University.  Wehrfritz feels it needs to be acted on, because it's time to have a plan that can be acted on.  He says the CLPOA also feels there needs to be a study of the lake's condition... and, the wetlands regulations on property values on the lake.

State Supreme Court rules in favor of village connecting with the No. County Water District...
A State Supreme Court judge has sided with the village of Fredonia in a lawsuit that sought to annul a resolution for the village's project to connect with the North County Water District.  In an 11-page ruling last Wednesday... Judge Grace Hanlon denied the request that was filed in October by members of the "Save Our Reservoir" group, who argued that the village violated the State Environmental Quality Review Act... General Municipal Law... and, the village's Zoning Code.  Judge Hanlon determined that the village -- "neither abused its discretion nor was arbitrary or capricious in its determination" with regard to its SEQRA analysis.

California man convicted of drug conspiracy involving Jamestown-area dealer isentenced to 10 years, six-months in federal prison...
Another key player in Jamestown-area drug trafficking circles will spend more than 10 years in federal prison.  U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced Thursday that 43 year-old La D. Huynh of Chula Vista, Calif., who was convicted of narcotics conspiracy, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Buffalo to 126 months in prison.  Prosecutors say that Huynh, a California-based drug trafficker, supplied quantities of methamphetamine, heroin/fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana to other members of the conspiracy.  They included Jun Martinez, a Jamestown-based drug trafficker.  In 2019... after receiving a large amount of meth... there was a payment issue between Martinez and Huynh, and Martinez stopped taking calls from Huynh.  However... sometime in 2020... Huynh and Martinez restarted their operations... and, Huynh began shipping quantities of cocaine... a heroin/fentanyl mix... and meth in the mail, from the San Diego-area.  In September of 2020... Martinez traveled to the San Diego area and met with Huynh and co-conspirator Kevin Hughes, receiving large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.   After the transaction... Martinez and Hughes started traveling back to the Jamestown-area... but, during the return trip... they were stopped by an Illinois State Police Trooper.  A search of the vehicle led to discovery of about 6,300 grams of methamphetamine, more than 3,100 grams of fentanyl... 2,241 grams of cocaine, and marijuana products... and ,they were arrested.  Martinez was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

Two city men indicted on drug, firearms, and kidnapping charges...
Two men from Jamestown have been indicted on federal charges for drug trafficking... robbery and kidnapping.  U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging 50 year-old Blake Smith -- also known as "Sweets..." and 45 year-old Willie Graham -- also known as "Wu..." with narcotics conspiracy, Hobbs Act Robbery, kidnapping, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  DiGiacomo adds that Smith is also charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and distribution of fentanyl causing serious bodily injury.  Prosecutors say that between February 2017, and January 2024... Smith and Graham conspired with Joseph Zaso, and others, to sell heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in the Jamestown area.  During the conspiracy, Smith possessed a firearm.  They add that between May 9 and 11 of 2023... Smith sold fentanyl causing serious bodily injury to individuals identified as R. P. and D.C.  In March of that year... Smith and Graham are also accused of kidnapped an individual identified as D.D... and, also stole a 25-thousand dollar check from D.D. while brandishing a firearm.  Both men face a maximum of life in prison if convicted.

CLPOA looking ahead to what's next after Judge annuls NYS Freshwater Wetlands Regulation Act...
The head of one of the lake groups that successfully sued New York State over it's Wetland Regulations is pleased with the outcome.  However... Chautauqua Lake Property Owners Association President Jim Wehrfritz says they're also waiting to see how the Department of Environmental Conservation responds to the State Supreme Court decision annuling those regulations.  Wehrfritz says they could appeal, or they could do the environmental due diligence, and try to bring the regulations forward again.  He says... for the CLPOA... it's gratefying to see their approximately three year effort be successful... along with the other groups involved.  The Chautauqua Lake Partnership was also a plaintiff in the suit.  He says that will be one of the three main topics at tomorrow morning's 15th meeting of the CLPOA since it formed.  Wehrfritz says they'll also review the recent Chautauqua Lake Symposium... and, further discuss their push to create a centralized lake authority and district they feel would better oversee the lake.   Tomorrow's CLPOA meeting will be held at the Lawson Boat Center in Bemus Point at 9 a.m., and, will run until 10:30 a.m.  Wehrfritz says you can also Zoom into the meeting by going to Zoom -- and punching in: 6346503547... and, the password is CLPOA -- all lower case.

Molitor becoming "increasingly frustrated" by late state budget...
Chautauqua County's Assemblyman says he's become "increasingly frustrated" by a state budget that's now just-over a week late.  The legislature was called back to Albany Tuesday to act on another one-week extender as legislative leaders and Governor Kathy Hochul try to work out details of a new spending plan.  Molitor... a Westfield Republican... says the current system is "very inefficient..." and, the real work on the spending plan should have been done weeks ago.  He says this week was especially frustrating because lawmakers were called back into session Tuesday to approve the $3.2-billion "extender..." and, then were sent home again.  Governor Hochul's proposed budget totals just over $262-billion... while the Assembly and Senate bills are between $8-million and $10-billion higher.  The budget was due by Apr. 1.

City man arrested for trespassing inside condemned building...
A man from Jamestown has been arrested for allegedly trespassing inside a condemned building on West Second Street -- near Jefferson Street.  City police were called to the location on a trespass complaint about 2 p.m. Wednesday... and, found 44 year-old Hector DeJesus inside the building.  Officers arrested DeJesus without incident for third-degree criminal trespassing.  He was taken to the city jail pending arraignment.

Several hour stand-off in Fredonia ends peacefully...
A several-hour long stand-off involving several law enforcement agencies in the village of Fredonia was resolved peacefully late last night.  Fredonia Police lifted a "shelter in place" which went into effect early Wednesday afternoon for residents on White Street.  The incident that prompted the shelter in place was -- police said -- "resolved peacefully and without injuries to anyone involved, and the area of White Street is now safe."  Fredonia Police thanked the several agencies that assisted them... including the New York State Police... Dunkirk City Police...  SUNY Fredonia Police... County EMS... and, the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office... among others.  Police say more information will be released as it becomes available pending further investigation.  This was the third such "Shelter-in-Place" incident in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area in the past month.

City man to spend 8 years in federal prison for role in drug conspiracy...
A man from Jamestown convicted for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy will spend the next eight-years in federal prison.  U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that 22 year-old Jaquez Thomas received the 96-month prison term from U.S. District Court Judge John Sinatra, Jr. Wednesday.  Prosecutors say that between 2020 to 2022, Thomas distributed quantities of fentanyl and cocaine he received from Joseph Zaso... and, used Facebook and Cash App to conduct his drug trafficking activities.  During the conspiracy... Thomas was accused of supplying quantities of fentanyl to Justin Yuchnitz and Joseph Thayer.  He also conspired with Jose Maisonet in 2022... whom city police made three undercover drug purchases from.  In July 2022, police raided Thomas’ Allen Street residence... and seized a loaded handgun, and drug paraphernalia.  Zaso, Thayer, and Yuchnitz were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.  Jose Maisonet was previously convicted and sentenced in a separate case.

Molitor calls State Supreme Court ruling "annulling" NYS Freshwater Wetland's Regulations "significant..."
A New York State Supreme Court ruling has "annulled" the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Freshwater Wetlands Act regulations.  The ruling was issued by Judge Richard Platkin in Albany County Supreme Court Wednesday... saying that the DEC failed to comply with it's own State Environmental Quality Review Act by not conducting proper environmental studies.  Local State Assemblyman Andrew Molitor was pleased with the ruling.. noting that -- while the groups involved made different kinds of arguments -- the SEQRA one stood out... and, that was "the winning argument."  The plaintiffs in the case included the Chautauqua Lake Partnership and the Chautauqua Lake Property Owners Association.  Molitor expects the state to file an appeal... which may mean there won't be an immediate striking down of the regulations.  He says the state would likely try to get a "stay" in the decision pending the appeal.  Molitor adds that... if the state is able to appeal the matter... the case would likely wind up at New York's highest court... the Court of Appeals.  He calls the decision a "significant one for our region and property owners across New York State."

Molitor becoming "increasingly frustrated" by late state budget...
Chautauqua County's Assemblyman says he's become "increasingly frustrated" by a state budget that's now just-over a week late.  The legislature was called back to Albany Tuesday to act on another one-week extender as legislative leaders and Governor Kathy Hochul try to work out details of a new spending plan.  Molitor... a Westfield Republican... says the current system is "very inefficient."  He says the governor has the last half of the previous year to get a budget assembled, and two talk with the Senate and Assembly leadership to find areas of agreement and disagreement.  Molitor says this week was very frustrating because lawmakers were called back into session Tuesday to approve the $3.2-billion "extender..." and, then were sent home again.  Governor Hochul's proposed budget totals just over 262-billion dollars... while the Assembly and Senate bills are being $8-billion and $10-billion higher.  The budget was due by Apr. 1.

City man arrested for assault in town of Ellicott...
A man from Jamestown is accused of punching and injuring another person during an incident last Friday night in the town of Ellicott.  Town Police say they were called to the unidentified location shortly after 7 p.m. on a report of an assault.  Officers say they found that 38 year-old Shaun Clutter had gotten into an argument with the victim before punching the person in the nose.  Clutter then left the scene... but, was later found in the city.  He was arrested for third-degree assault.  The victim was treated at the scene by Falconer fire rescuers... and, then taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for further treatment.  Clutter was taken to the county jail for centralized arraignment... and will appear in Ellicott Town Court at a later date.

City man arrested for trespassing inside condemned building...
A man from Jamestown has been arrested for allegedly trespassing inside a condemned building on West Second Street -- near Jefferson Street.  City police were called to the location on a trespass complaint about 2 p.m. Wednesday... and, found 44 year-old Hector DeJesus inside the building.  Officers arrested DeJesus without incident for third-degree criminal trespassing.  He was taken to the city jail pending arraignment.

Jamestown man arrested following overnight, domestic incident...
A city man is accused of assaulting and choking another person in front of a young child during an overnight domestic incident on Jamestown's westside.  City police were called to the unidentified location about 12:30 a.m., and, determined that 29 year-old Jesse Young had assaulted and obstructed the breathing of the victim.  Officers add Young also endangered the child... and, he was arrested for third-degree assault... endangering the welfare of a child... and, criminal obstruction of breathing.  He was jailed pending arraignment.

Buffalo man arrested for resisting arrest while police try to break up domestic incident...
A man from Buffalo has been arrested for allegedly resisting Jamestown police while they were trying to break-up a domestic dispute involving the man.  City police were called to the area of East Eighth Street and Lakeview Avenue just after 1:30 a.m. Wednesday for a fight on a sidewalk involving 22 year-old Marc Staples, Jr., and a female victim.  Officers say Staples tried to physically interfere with officers... and, then refused their commands.  Police say he pulled away when they tried to take him into custody.  But... after a brief struggle... Staples was arrested for disorderly conduct... second-degree obstructing governmental administration... and, resisting arrest.  He was jailed pending arraignment. 

Falconer man arrested for alleged assault while brandishing knife...
A Falconer man has been arrested for allegedly getting into an altercation with another person... and, then threatening them with a knife.  Ellicott Town Police say they were called to the Budget Inn on Main Street shortly before 1:30 a.m. Tuesday morning for an alleged assault.  Officers say 43 year-old Rodolfo Tanco III would not allow the victim to leave the room... pinning them against a wall by the throat.  Police say Tanco then took the knife and held it to the victim's cheek.  However... the victim was finally able to get away and call police.  Officers obtained a warrant... and, later arrested Tanco for second-degree harassment... third-degree menacing... and criminal obstruction of breathing.  Officers also found that Tanco had an outstanding 2022 warrant for a separate incident in the town of Ellicott.  He was taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment.

United Way seeks volunteers for Literacy Week coming up later in April...
The United Way of Chautauqua County is looking for volunteers to participate in it's upcoming Literacy Week.  This year's event is scheduled for April 20-24 at eight schools across the county.  United Way Community Relations Coordinator Dan Siracuse says the initiative began several years ago as a Literacy Day -- prior to the United Way's merger -- and expanded into a week-long event last year.  Siracuse says it's a great way to promote literacy in Chautauqua County... with readers going in to read to the children.  After that... they will provide each child with a book they can read.  Last year's Literacy Week reached nearly 2,000 students and involved more than 70 volunteers visiting 118 classrooms across six school districts.  Siracuse says many businesses and organizations also participated... including Purina, Dunkirk Police, and the Chautauqua Professionals group.  Elementary schools in Brocton, Dunkirk, Forestville, Fredonia, Ripley, Sherman and Sinclairville are currently signed up to participate this year.  Siracuse says you can call the United Way at 483-1561 if you're interested in volunteering.  You can also text "readchq" to 41444.

Woman arrested on shoplifting and drug charges in Lakewood...
A woman has been arrested for allegedly shoplifting more than $300 worth of merchandise from a Lakewood store... and, being found in possession of illegal drugs.  Lakewood-Busti Police say they were called to an "in-progress" shoplifting at the Wal-Mart SuperCenter at 350 Fairmount Ave. about 10:30 p.m. Monday.  Officers say they found Stephanie Derby had concealed $311 worth of item on her person.  She was also allegedly found with a quantity of methamphetamine... and, she's charged with petty larceny... and, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Derby was issued an appearance ticket for Busti Town Court.

City man and woman arrested for trespassing inside condemned home...
A man and woman from Jamestown have been arrested for allegedly trespassing inside a condemned home on the city's eastside.  City police say they responded to a complaint shortly before Noon last Saturday of someone being inside the vacant residence.  When they arrived... they found 52 year-old Michael Cook... and, 34 year-old Ashley Stingel... who were not allowed on the property.  Officers arrested both without incident for third-degree criminal trespass... and, they were taken to the city jail pending arraignment.

City man arrested on bench warrants following street check in Jamestown...
A man from Jamestown... known to police... has been arrested after leading officers on a foot chase while performing a street check.  Police say a Gun-Involved Violence Enforcement  (GIVE) Detail spotted 28 year-old Todd Dellahoy walking in the area of Newland Avenue and Sampson Street shortly before 7 p.m. last Thursday.  Officers say they knew Dellahoy was warranted on a bench warrant issued by Jamestown City Court.  Police got out of their patrol car and ordered him to stop... but, he ran off before being caught after a short foot chase.  He was arrested for resisting arrest... in addition to the warrant... and, taken to the city jail pending arraignment.

Mayville area resident okay after chimney fire at home...
One person is being helped by the local Red Cross after fire damaged that person's home Monday morning in the town of Chautauqua.  Sheriff's Department emergency dispatchers say North Lake firefighters were called to the scene of a chimney fire at 7127 Beaujean Rd. shortly before 7:30 a.m.  They were soon after joined by Chautauqua, Sherman and Westfield crews at the scene.  Firefighters were there just over three-hours... and, county fire investigators were called to the scene.  No one was hurt.

Woman from Warren, Pa. arrested for stealing car in Jamestown... 
A woman from Warren, Pa. has been arrested for allegedly stealing the car she was driving in the village of Lakewood.  Sheriff's officers say they had a report of a car being stolen in the city of Jamestown about 2 p.m. Monday... and, spotted the vehicle traveling on Fairmount Avenue.  Deputies identified the woman driver as 45 year-old Jessica Wolfgang... and, add they also found she didn't have a driver's license.  Wolfgang was arrested for fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property... and, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.  She was issued appearance tickets for Busti Town Court.

Wendel confirms delivering State of County Address at CHQ Chamber event in Jamestown later this month...
Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel is moving his State of the County Address outside of Mayville to allow more people to see it.  Wendel is confirming that he will be presenting the annual address to the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Jamestown... and, it will be hosted by the CHQ Chamber of Commerce.  Wendel says many of his counterparts across the state have done it... and, adds the format will be a little different.  He says there will also be a question and answer session following the presentation... which will be recorded.  The address will be delivered the morning of Tuesday, Apr. 21... with breakfast being provided first at 8 a.m., with the address to follow a short time later.  Wendel noted that former Executive... and, current State Senator George Borrello... delivered his first State of the County Address at Chautauqua Lake Central School to accomodate more people... including the heads of the 100 businesses he visited during his first year in office.  He adds his office will also present the video tape of the address at the legislature's meeting the following night on Wed., April 22.  For more information... call the chamber at 484-1101.

Deputy Co. Executive Mark Geise again makes Buffalo Business First's annual "Power 250" list...
Chautauqua County's Deputy County Executive for Economic Development has again been named to Buffalo Business First's "Power 250" list.  The publication annually lists the top 250 influencial business leaders in the eight Western New York counties.  Mark Geise... who is also the Chief Executive Officer for the county's Industrial Development Agency... is number 192 on that list.  Geise was appointed Deputy County Executive and IDA CEO in March of 2018... and, has since led efforts to grow and expand business opportunities in Chautauqua County, including overseeing expanded programs to help employers during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Over the past four years... Business First reports that -- under Geise’s leadership -- the IDA has assisted with $1.74-billion worth of capital investment projects in the county.  Those investments include: the Cummins Engine internal expansion project of $452-million... and, Wells Enterprises Phase I, II, and III expansion efforts of $512 million combined.

Two teens arrested for burglary on Jamestown's eastside...
A pair of teens... one from Jamestown... were arrested Sunday afternoon for allegedly breaking into a residence on the city's eastside.  Jamestown police say they were called to a "burglary in-progress" at 443 Buffalo St. just after 1:30 p.m., and on arrival, were told that the pair had fled the scene.  Police were able to find both a short distance away... and 19 year-old Steven Osborne and a 17 year-old from Hamburg, New York... were taken into custody without incident.  Officers say both were charged with third-degree burglary.  Osborne was arraigned and released with an appearance ticket.  The 17 year-old was released to a third-party... and will be formally arraigned at a later date.

Gas Prices surge again this week as cost goes above $4 a gallon in Jamestown-area...
The average prices for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline in the Jamestown-area has exceeded $4 for the first time since August of 2022.  And... as the week begins... the cost is continuing it's upward trend.  AAA East Central's Gas Price report says the average price was 12 cents higher Monday to just over $4.04 a gallon.  However... in many places... it's now $4.10 or $4.11 a gallon due to the ongoing war in Iran.  Nationally... the average price is now at $4.11 a gallon... which is also 12-cents higher than last week.  AAA reports crude oil prices continue to surge... surpassing $100 a barrel... and it's gotten as high as $113-a barrel.  That's due largely to Iran's closing of the Strait of Hormuz... where about 20% of the world's oil is shipped through.  AAA says the average price per kilowatt hour of electricity remained 41-cents at public E-V charging stations.

Two Jamestown woman arrested for assaulting following fight on eastside...
Two women from Jamestown have been arrested for allegedly getting into a fight at an eastside address... and, injuring each other.  City police were called to the scene shortly before 5 a.m. last Friday for the fight involving 19 year-old Samaria Cruz... and, 32 year-old Marilyn Freeman.  Officers say after an investigation... they arrested both Cruz and Freeman for third-degree assault.  They were taken to the city jail pending arraignment.

State AG's office determines deputy involved in shooting death of man in town of Mina should not be charged...
The New York State Attorney General's Office has determined that a Chautauqua County Sheriff's officer's used of deadly force in a shooting incident last June was justified.  A-G Letitia James says the Office of Special Investigation late last week issued a Notification of Investigative Findings regarding the investigation into the death of 66 year-old Mark Bemis, who died on June 18 of 2025 following an armed encounter with deputies in the town of Mina.  James says the OSI concluded that -- "a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ use of deadly physical force was justified under the law.  A final Investigation Report will follow."  Deputies were called to Bemus' home shortly before 4 p.m. for a domestic dispute.  However... when the first deputy arrived...he encountered Bemus... who was holding a shotgun.  The deputy took out his service weapon and instructed Bemis to drop his weapon.  However... Bemus fired a shot into the air, and the deputy took cover behind a tree.  The deputy... and, a second one who later arrived... advised Bemus several times to lower his weapon... but, he refused.  That led to an exchange of several rounds of gunfire... during which the first deputy was wounded.  Bemus was hit... and, died at the scene.

Wendel to deliver annual State of County Address in Jamestown on Apr. 21...
Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel is moving his State of the County Address outside of Mayville to allow more people to see it.  Wendel is confirming that he will be presenting the annual address to the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Jamestown... and, it will be hosted by the CHQ Chamber of Commerce.  Wendel says many of his counterparts across the state have done it... and, adds the format will be a little different... including a short Q-and-A session at the end.  The address will be delivered the morning of Tuesday, Apr. 21... with breakfast being provided first at 8 a.m., with the address to follow a short time later.  Wendel noted that former Executive... and, current State Senator George Borrello... delivered his first State of the County Address at Chautauqua Lake Central School to accomodate more people... including representatives from the 100 businesses he met during his first year in office.  Wendel adds that his office will also present the video tape of the address at the legislature's meeting the following night on Wed., April 22.  This will replace the Chamber's annual County Executive Breakfast... and, registration is $30 for chamber members and $35 for non-members. For more information... call the chamber at 484-1101.

Local officials, and advocates gather for annual "Pinwheels for Prevention" child abuse prevention program...
Support for the programs that support families and their children is critical.  That from local elected officials... and, advocates who kicked off April as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" with the annual Pinwheels for Prevention program at Jamestown City Hall.  The coordinator for the Child Advocacy Program's "Safe Harbor" initiative... Saraden Randall... says prevention can't be done by one group alone... and, she encouraged them to help spread awareness.  Randall says that's even more critical now because families are under stress from rising costs.  April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month... and, a group of Jamestown High School students spoke to both.  One was Senior Siena Lewis... who says the advocate groups are critical to the mission.  Randall told the gathering that the blue pinwheels are the national symbol for Child Abuse Prevention Month.  She adds that places that have paid family leave have seen a 14% reduction in child abuse cases.  

Dunkirk hours fire ruled accidental... and, caused by electrical issue...           
Last Friday morning's house fire in the city of Dunkirk has been determined to be electrical in nature.  Chautauqua County Fire Investigators say Dunkirk firefighters were called to the scene at 122 Lakeshore Dr. East about 2:17 a.m., and, investigators were called to the scene once the blaze was snuffed out.  They say the fire is believed to have originated on the exterior of the residence... as a result of a malfunctioning electical service entrance cable.  The blaze has been ruled accidental.  Three pets perished in the fire.

City woman arrested after allegedly throwing brick through car window...
A woman from Jamestown has been arrested after allegedly throwing a brick through a car window during an incident last Saturday morning.  City police say they were called to a southside address just after 10:30 a.m. on a criminal mischief complaint.  Officers say they spoke with the victim... who told them that 25 year-old Natasha Lockett had thrown the brick... breaking the car window.  Lockett had fled the scene following the incident... but, later turned herself into Jamestown police.  She was charged with third-degree criminal mischief... and was held pending her arraignment.   

City woman receives 8-year federal sentence for drug trafficking...
A Jamestown woman has been sentenced to seven-years in federal prison for her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy.  U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that 53 year-old Anabell Santiago received the 84 month sentence Thursday in U.S. District Court in Buffalo.  Santiago had been convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine... maintaining a drug involved premises... and being a user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms.  Prosecutors say in March of 2024... investigators made a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Anabell Santiago.... and, the following month... they raided the home of Santiago and her husband, Santo on Whitley Avenue.  Police seized fentanyl, crack cocaine, oxycodone, two loaded pistols, ammunition... more than $30,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia.  DiGiacomo says Santos Santiago was convicted, and sentenced to serve 11 years in prison.

Dunkirk man accused of shooting, and injuring a police officer, now facing federal charges...
The Dunkirk man accused of attempted murder of a police officer following last week's nearly seven-hour stand-off... now faces federal charges in the case.  U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that 39 year-old Christopher Marcinowski has been charged by criminal complaint of maintaining a drug involved premises... and, being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Prosecutors say this past February... the Sheriff's Department's Narcotics Unit began assisting with an investigation into Marcinowski's drug trafficking activities.  During the past two months... they say investigators found numerous plastic baggies which tested positive for cocaine in two garbage "pulls" at Marcinkowski's residence on Franklin Avenue.  On Mar. 24... police executed a search warrant on the home... but, as the raid began... Marcinowski fired two rounds from a firearm, one of which struck an officer.  The stand-off took place after that... and, ended when a police negotiator got Marcinowski to surrender without incident.
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Once the home was cleared... officers say they seized about 197-grams of suspected psychedelic mushrooms... about 11 pounds of suspected marijuana... three guns... about $30,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia.  Marcinowski has three prior federal convictions... and, if convicted this time... he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Wendel says subject of potential countywide policing services during consolidation and merger talks in north county... 
Two recent meetings about shaping the future of northern Chautauqua County included a concept that the county has previously explored -- countywide policing. It was part of talks about consolidations, mergers and shared services in the county that date back as far as the 1960s, according to Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel. He says the logistics of operating a law enforcement agency can be done quickly... because a lot of things are already being done jointly.  Wendel says an idea that was brought up during the meetings of north county leaders was having all the north county police departments working together as a "North Metro," and the south county departments together as a "South Metro."  He says it's one way to start the process.  Wendel cited Nassau and Suffolk counties as two examples of countywide police departments in New York. 

Borrello says legislature approved one budget bill before leaving Albany...
Local State Senator George Borrello says only one of New York's nearly dozen budget bills has been passed.  But... how soon the others will be dealt with remains up in the air.  Borrello says the budget extender approved Tuesday gets lawmakers until Apr. 8 to resolve the matter.  The Sunset Bay Republican says neither the Senate nor Assembly have even agreed on the budget numbers yet... and, only the debt service budget has been approved so far.  He says there are at least nine other budget bills that need to be approved.  Borrello says the main sticking point remains Governor Kathy Hochul's desire to push back climate legislation goals until 2040.  However... he says energy costs are still rising... and, two agencies... the Public Service Commission, and the state's Energy Research and Development Agency are already warning of potential, rolling black-outs -- especially in New York City.  Hochul has delayed implimentation of part of the "Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act..." for this year after a court delayed it's taking effect.  Borrello says it's merely an "Election Year" ploy to avoid the issue until after November.

Man from Lakewood arrested for stealing scrap metal from behind car dealership...
A Lakewood man has been arrested for allegedly stealing scrap metal from behind a Fairmount Avenue car dealership this past Monday night.  Lakewood-Busti Police say they were called to the scene at Shults Hyundai at 181 East Fairmount Ave. shortly before 11 p.m., and, caught Tyler Manelick in the act.  Officers say Manelick was arrested for petty larceny... and, was issued an appearance ticket for Busti Town Court at a later date.

Stateline Speedway race car show underway...
The annual Stateline Speedway car show is underway at the Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood though Saturday night.  Dozens of race cars from the track's Super Late Model... Crate Late Model... Outlaw E-Mods... and others are on the floor.  Opening Night for Stateline... which is celebrating it's 70th season... will be on Saturday, Apr. 25. 

In a move that's set to make waves in the fight against childhood lead exposure, Jamestown, New York, has launched a Lead Rental Registry Program. This program targets rental properties that were built before 1980, requiring them to undergo safety inspections and obtain a Lead Safety Certificate. Landlords will need to act swiftly on any hazards identified during these inspections, helping create a healthier environment for children.

Why is this so crucial? Well, more than 86% of Jamestown homes predate 1970, and lead paint remains a significant health risk, especially for kids. The local health department reported that around 60 children in Chautauqua County test above the state's action level each year, many of whom live in rental housing. Mayor Kimberly Ecklund emphasized the importance of this initiative in ensuring homes are safe for families, tackling something many Jamestown residents have long worried about.

The county will be receiving $601,300 annually for five years to support this program. They're not just stopping at inspections; there will also be expanded lead prevention efforts, plus free lead inspections in 2025 to help landlords meet the new requirements. It's a proactive approach that could serve as a model for other communities grappling with similar issues. And hey, if you thought old paint was just a vintage aesthetic, think again! This is the kind of "before and after" that's crucial to get right for our little ones’ health.

Seinfelt, Meyers and Kreischer to headline August's National Comedy Festival in Jamestown....
Two well-established names... and, one rising star have been announced as headliners for this year's 35th annual National Comedy Festival in Jamestown.  The National Comedy Center has announced that Jerry Seinfeld... Bert Kreischer... and, Seth Meyers will headline the annual festival on August 6-9 of this year.  In addition... for the first time... this year's festival will have all three headliners performing at the Northwest Arena... and, additional talent will be featured in the Stand-up Showcases and late-night comedy shows throughout the festival.  Seinfeld will headline on Thursday, Aug. 6... Kreischer will take the stage on Saturday the 8th... and, Seth Meyers will perform on Sunday, Aug. 9.  On Friday the 7th... there will be a Stand-up Showcase at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.  Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson says -- "this year’s festival brings together artists who represent distinct approaches to the craft. I love that audiences can experience the best of live comedy while connecting it to the larger story we preserve and share every day in Jamestown."  Tickets for the headlining shows and festival events will go on pre-sale for Comedy Center members beginning Monday, Apr. 27 at 12 p.m. EDT... and, for the general public on Friday, May 1 at Noon EDT at ComedyCenter.org.  For more information... you can also call (716)-484-2222.

Sex offender arrested on new child porn charges in Jamestown...
A registered sex offender from Jamestown has been arrested on new, federal child pornography charges.  U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that 42 year-old John Peterson was arrested Wednesday... and, charged with distribution and possession of child pornography by a person with a prior child porn conviction.  Prosecutors say last June... the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip from the messaging app "Kik" that two files of suspected child porn were uploaded between June 14-16 of 2025.  The files were uploaded with the username "hardinny41_mkc..." and, were shared with other users.  The center the received another tip from Kik on July 5... that a file of suspected child pornography was uploaded on June 28 by someone with the same username.  Subsequent investigation traced the uploaded files to Peterson.  Investigators in December obtained a warrant... and, seized Peterson’s cell phone.  They allegedly found about 9 image files... and, 5 video files of suspected child sexual abuse material.  He was convicted in 2010 in Carroll Town Court of attempted possession of a sexual performance by a child less than 16 Year of Age.  He was then convicted in 2023 in Chautauqua County Court of possessing a sexual performance by a child less than 16 Years of age, and criminal possession of a firearm.  Peterson faces a manditory minimum of 15 years in prison... a maximum of 40... and, a $250,000 fine.

Borrello says, given policy differences among Democrats on Climate Act, a state budget may be later than last year...
The late New York state budget will likely be later than even last year when negotiations went into early May.  Those are the feelings of State Senator George Borrello... who says... with the Apr. 1 deadline looming late Tuesday... the legislature approved a one-week budget extension.  Borrello says the main sticking point remains Governor Kathy Hochul's desire to push back climate legislation goals until 2040... but, he calls it nothing more than "window dressing..." and energy costs continue to go up.  One of the early parts of the "Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act" was a ban on use of fossils fuels to power newer, and smaller homes being built this year.  However... that was stopped by a court order... and, Hochul delayed the move for a year.  Borrello says that's merely an "Election Year" ploy to avoid the issue until after November.  He says he's spoken with officials from National Grid, who say while they're building new power plants in other states, they aren't in New York.  The legislature is soon leaving Albany for the Passover-Easter Break... and, will be back in session next Tuesday.  Governor Hochul's budget proposal totaled $262-billion... while the Senate and Assembly versions range from $8-billion to $10-billion more.

Jamestown man arrested on drug charge following traffic stop...
A man from Jamestown has been arrested on several warrants following a traffic stop on the city's southside last Saturday.  Jamestown police say a patrol spotted the car commit a traffic violation about 3:30 p.m., and, stopped the vehicle in the area of Cole Avenue and Myrtle Steet.  Officers say they found that the driver -- 60 year-old David Robbins -- was sought on several Jamestown and State Police bench warrants.  Police also found that Robbins was driving with a suspended license... and, was in possession of a quantity of cocaine.  He was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... second-degree aggravated unlicensed operator... and, held pending arraignment.

NYS budget late for sixth-straight year, legislature approves one-week extender...
For the sixth-year in a row... New York will have a late state budget, although negotiations between legislative leaders and Governor Kathy Hochul are ongoing.  In a late afternoon press release Tuesday... Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra said -- "the  only credit Democrats deserve is that, weeks ago, they stopped pretending they were ever capable of delivering a spending plan on time."  With that... a budget extender has been approved to keep the government funded for a week.  Local State Senator George Borrello noted the main sticking point remains.  New York's controversial Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.  However... Ra -- a Long Island Republican -- says "it epitomizes the dysfunction that surfaces whenever Albany Democrats are forced to complete the most important part of their job."  The governor's proposal totaled $262-billion dollars... while Democrats in the Assembly and Senate propose budgets much larger.  Last year... a final budget was not in place until May 8.

Ecklund hopeful city will receive additional, $1-million in State Aid in new budget... but, also says it's time for New York to get real about funding for local governments...
As negotiations continue on a new state budget... local municipalities in line to receive additional, temporary aid... are continuing to push the legislature to do that.  The Jamestown City Council approved a resolution Monday night that urges lawmakers in Albany to add that $100-million to the 2026-27 budget.  The city would receive an additional $1-million of that aid.  However... while appreciating Governor Kathy Hochul's proposal... Mayor Kim Ecklund says there needs to be more, additional, permanent aid... with a better process in place.  She says lack of that makes "budgeting very hard."  Ecklund and other mayors... including past Jamestown mayors Eddie Sundquist and Sam Teresi... often talked about the state needing to increase municipal aid more regularily.  If the temporary aid is added to the final budget... the city would receive nearly $1.6-million in aid from New York state.  

Woman from Jamestown arrested on 17 counts of endangering after allowing her three young children to be unsupervised multiple times...
A city woman has been arrested on 17 counts of endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly leaving her three young child unsupervised multiple times.  Jamestown police say they took 31 year-old Amanda Pearsall into custody Monday afternoon on multiple arrest warrants at an East Second Street address.  Officers say Pearsall was accused of leaving the children... ages 5-months... one-year, and 4-years old... unsupervised in their home in November of last year.  She was arraigned in city court and released pending further court action.

Severe thunderstorms produce torrential downpours and hail in north county late Tuesday...
Severe thunderstorms with torrential rain and hail rolled through northern Chautauqua County Tuesday afternoon.  A severe thunderstorm warning was issued... with several reports of flooding, downed trees and powerlines impacting several areas.  Meteorologist David Thomas with the National Weather Service in Buffalo says the heavy rainfall around the southern tier... causing mostly ponding and lower level flooding.  Some creeks in the region also overflowed.  Thomas reports that golf ball-sized hail rained through the Gowanda area yesterday, which caused damage to houses and cars... and, resulted in the closing of the Gowanda Central Schools Wednesday.  He also reports that the county saw an estimated 2-3 inches of rainfall across the northern portions of the county. 

Jamestown man arrested on warrant, meth possession during street check...
A city man has been arrested on an active arrest warrant and a drug charge following a street check on Jamestown's northside.  City police say they spotted 45 year-old James Hall walking in the area of North Main and West Sixth Streets shortly before 5 p.m. Monday... and, arrested him without incident.  Oficers say they allegedly found Hall in possession of a small quantity of methamphetamine... and, he was additionally charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... along with the warrant.  He was held pending arraignment.

Gasoline prices continue rising in Jamestown and Chautauqua County...
The average cost for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline in the Jamestown-area is nearing the $4 a gallon mark as the conflict in Iran continues.  AAA East Central reported Monday that the average price for a gallon in the Jamestown-area was 22 cents higher that last week... and, this week started at $3.92 cents.  However... over the past day... some service stations showed a price of $3.96... and, a few were at $4 a gallon... with one at $4.06.  Nationally... AAA says the average price is about $3.99 a gallon... which is 4-cents higher than the past week... and, crude oil prices remain high as the Iran conflict hits the four-week mark.  The national average could reached $4.02 a gallon Tuesday for the first time since August 2022 when the Ukraine-Russian War broke out.  Gas demand is also on the rise as spring break season continues.  The Energy Information Administration reports gasoline demand increased last week... but, total domestic gas supply decreased.  

Boil Water Order lifted Tuesday in Fredonia...
The Boil Water Order in the north county village of Fredonia was lifted Tuesday after two consecutive days of testing found turbidity levels safe for consumption.  That from the village, and Chautauqua County Health Department.... who add this also goes for customers in the town of Pomfret.  Officials say operations have returned to "normal..." and, testing indicates that the water in the distribution system is safe for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, and making coffee.