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WJTN News Headlines for Nov. 20, 2018

BPU Water Alert... 

Jamestown Board of Public Utilities Water crews repaired a broken water main overnight on the northside.  BPU Spokeswoman Becky Robbins says crews made repairs at Washington and 12th Streets and restored service about 1:30 AM.  Robbins says customers in the area and the northside may see discolored water through this evening and should not do laundry unless their water appears clear.


The newly reconstructed South Main Street Bridge in downtown Jamestown will be opened to the public this Wednesday morning...  

That from Chautauqua County Public Facilities Director Brad Bentley, who says contractors had to work through some "challenging weather conditions this Fall" to get the span re-opened by the Thanksgiving holiday.  Bentley thanked Union Concrete, GPI, the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities and, the citys Public Works Department for all their efforts.  He adds that the bridge's asphalt base and winter wearing surfaces have been constructed and, are sufficient for the travelling public to use.  However, due to the extremely wet Fall weather, high water levels experienced on site in October and the early on-set of winter conditions in November, the top asphalt layer will be constructed next spring. 
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In addition, Bentley says the DPF also plans to open two new bridges on County Touring Route 42 -- Poland Center Road -- between state Route 394 and U.S. Route 62 in the Town of Poland Wednesday.  He says "the asphalt base and winter wearing surfaces for these two bridges have been placed.  The extremely wet weather this fall and high water levels experienced at these sites delayed the construction of the new bridges, such that the top asphalt layer will be constructed next spring with the return of warmer weather."


A more than year-long wait for the reopening of the front entrance to the Jamestown Police Department will end later this morning...  

The major repair project to the entry-way, lobby and reception area has finally been completed following significant rain storm that produced flooding on Tracy Plaza in 2017.  Police Chief Harry Snellings announced Monday afternoon that the front entry-way will reopen at 9 this morning.  However, Snellings says until that time, anyone needing help at police headquarters should continue with procedures that are currently in place.


At the request of the Cuba Town Police Department, a Missing Vulnerable-Adult Alert has been issued for an 82 year-old woman with dementia.... 

State officials say Lorena Fritts was last seen on State Route 305 in Cuba at 5 PM Sunday.... and, was driving a gold 2000 Dodge Caravan with New York plates HTH-6674. Fritts has red hair and green eyes and, was wearing a brown coat, black jeans and a baseball cap. Officials say Lorena may be in need of medical attention. Information indicates she was on North Union Street in the city of Olean Sunday evening. Anyone who may have seen Lorena Fritts can contact the Cuba Town Police at 585-968-1666.


Jamestown city lawmakers reviewed the three remaining department and outside organizations during last night's final work session on the proposed 2019 budget...  


The Department of Development's budget, along with that of the Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency, were discussed.  Development Director Vince DeJoy says the city has budgeted $410,000 to provide code enforcement, zoning, planning and community development.  DeJoy says the majority pays for salaries, including one new one last year.

The main source each year is from the federal Community Development Block Grant program... which provides just over one-million dollars for the DOD, with another $200,000 coming from the state's HOME Program.  He outlined many of those... including projects that were part of the city's $10-million Downtown Revitalization Initiative program.  Fenton History Center Director Noah Goodling was on hand to discuss the 26-thousand dollars they receive from the city, which includes $10,000 for utilities payments.  The other outside organization funded by the city is the James Prendergast Library, which is slated to be cut in half to $50,000 this year. 


If Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi agrees to bi-partisan legislation to reform the rules of the House of Representatives, local Congressman Tom Reed says he'll support her when the House votes on a new speaker next January....  

However, he reiterated Monday that he won't vote for her if she doesn't agree with those reforms.  However, the Corning Republican says there are now several Democrats who said they would not vote for her that are starting to have second thoughts. That furthers the belief that Pelosi may need Republican help to be elected speaker.  President Trump tweeted over the weekend his support for Pelosi -- if she wants the position -- and included Reed's name in that tweet.  Reed admits that his public stand has not endeared him to some fellow Republicans.  However, he says it's worth it to finally get reforms that allows bi-partisan legislation to be acted on.  Reed made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with regional media.


A wanted Conewango Valley man was arrested in the Town of Ellington for allegedly damaging property in front of a child over the weekend... 

Sheriff's officers responded to a residence on Route 62 for a disorderly male and, identified 31 year-old Darrin Hill as the suspect. After he was taken into custody, deputies report Hill was found to have an outstanding federal warrant for Desertion from the United States Army. Hill was arraigned and sent to the county jail without bail due to the outstanding federal warrant. He will answer to charges in Ellington Town Court at a later date. 


A Dunkirk man who was wanted on a weapons charge is being held after he led police in a vehicle pursuit in the city of Dunkirk...  

Dunkirk Police say that 21-year-old Trevon Tripp was wanted on a warrant for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  Police Chief David Ortolano says Tripp failed to comply when officers attempted to a perform a traffic stop around 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

Ortolano says Tripp is not only facing the weapons charge, but he is also charged with third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, unlawful possession of a marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and, reckless driving and six other vehicle and traffic infractions.  Tripp is being held in the city lockup, pending arraignment.


The Chautauqua County Board of Elections has certified the November 6 election results in local races that were too close to call on election night...  

Election's Commissioner Norm Green says Republican Yvonne Park defeated Democrat John Robinson, Senior for a Villanova Town Council vacancy, 204 to 195.  Both candidates were tied at 190 votes each on election night.  In the Mayville Mayor's race, Democrat Ken Shearer, Junior was still the winner.  Shearer actually grew his lead from 38 on election night to 48.  He received 326 votes, to Republican Rick Syper's 278 votes.