One county resident killed, two others seriously hurt in head-on crash in Hanover...
A Ripley woman was killed... and, two other people are being treated for life-threatening injuries... following a two-car, head-on crash late last Thursday night in the town of Hanover.  State Police in Fredonia say they were called to the scene on Route 39 just after 10 p.m., and, found that a 2015 Subaru was westbound... and, crossed the center line... hitting an older vehicle head-on.  Troopers say the driver of the older car... 31 year-old Miranda Farley... was pronounced dead at the scene.  They add the operator of the Subaru... 24 year-old Milly Garcia of Gowanda... was taken to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo for non-life-threatening injuries.  However... two passengers in the Honda... 31 year-old Angela Waldemarson of Westfield... and, 42 year-old William Hamilton of Portland... were both taken to ECMC with "life-threatening" injuries.  No charges have been filed as yet.

City man accused of threatening person with knife during domestic incident...
A Jamestown man faces a handfull of charges following a domestic incident and fight in which he allegedly threatened another man's life with a knife on the city's eastside on Christmas Day.  City police were called to the location shortly before 4:30 p.m., and, found that 25 year-old Nathan King had an order of protection to stay away from the woman living there.  King allegedly pulled the knife... and, got into the altercation... which occured near a child.  Officers found the knife in King's possession and he was arrested on charges including second-degree menacing... second-degree criminal contempt... third-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, endangering the  welfare of a child.  King was jailed pending arraignment.

Jamestown man arrested on several traffic charges after vehicle pursuit, and forcing another car into a house...
A city man has been free on is own recognizance after allegedly leading police on a high-speed pursuit that forced another car to crash into a fence and home on Jamestown's southside.  City police say a patrol spotted a red sedan speeding in the area of Maple St. and Ahrens Ave. about 9:40 a.m. Wednesday.  Officers say the driver made several evasive turns... and did not stop at a stop sign.  Police tried to pull over the driver... later identified as 53 year-old Daniel Garcia... but he would not stop.  They say Garcia allegedly ran another stop sign... and, caused the accident with the other driver hitting the fence and house at 126 Maple.  That driver had minor injuries.  Officers say Garcia continued on... but, later stopped in front of a southside home.  He then tried to flee on foot... but, officers grabbed him quickly and he was arrested.  Garcia faces nine counts of failing to stop at a stop sign... two counts of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation... and others... inculding leaving the scene of a personal injury accident... first-degree reckless endangerment... speeding... and, driving while under the influence of drugs. 

Carrubba thanks many during farewell remarks at year-end City Council meeting...
The final Jamestown City Council meeting of the year was also the final one for five-term, Fourth-Ward Councilwoman Marie Carrubba.  Carrubba... who also served a short time as Council President... thanked several people for their support over the past 10 years... first of all her family.  She also thanked former Mayor Sam Teresi... for encouraging her to run... and, who believed she would be an asset on the council.  Carrubba also thanked former City Council President Greg Rabb for his support, and helping her in the early days of her being council president.  During that time... there was also a "female majority" on council had 5 women and 4 men.  Among the other women were current incoming Mayor Kim Ecklund... and, the late Vickeye James.  Carrubba thanked former City Clerk and Finance Director Jim Olson, and former Clerk Todd Thomas for helping make her time as president look "so much easier than it was."  She also thanked her fourth-ward constituents... saying it was an "honor and privledge" to serve them.  Carrubba thanked outgoing Mayor Eddie Sundquist for his administration's efforts to Zoom and live stream meeting... especially during the COVID pandemic when people could not meet face-to-face.

CPS caseworker, supervisor talk concerns over caseload in department...
Being a caseworker for Chautauqua County Child Protective Services can be a stressful job... and, leads to many to leave the profession.  However... one front-line caseworker says loss of workers, and difficulty in finding new workers, has made it even moreso.  Caseworker Amanda Christie... who works in the Jamestown CPS Office... recently addressed the County Legislature about several concerns she and others in the department have... including the fact they have opened nearly 2,200 cases.  They also have many other cases that are starting to be investigated.  While there have been some significant losses in the recent past... Christie says another big problem is the lack of experienced workers they now have.  She says there are only 25 caseworkers now... of which only 16 have two years or more of experience.  Another CPS employee... Jon Sedota... is a supervisor who has been with the department the past 28 years.  He told lawmakers the situation has improved under their new leader.  Christie says part of the problem is lack of a list of potential caseworkers on the Civil service list.   Sedota feels the current commissioner has done an "excellent job" to try and address many of the concerns raised.  

City man arrested on slew of traffic charges following chase; and causing another car to crash into a southside home...
More on a car crashing into a house on Jamestown's southside Wednesday morning.  A city man faces a slew of charges after allegedly leading Jamestown police on a vehicle chase that resulted in another car crashing into a fence and house at 126 Maple Street.  City police say officers were patroling in the area of Maple and Ahrens Avenue about 9:40 a.m. when they saw a red sedan traveling at a high rate of speed... and, making several evasive turns and not stopping at a stop sign.  Police tried to pull over the driver... later identified as 53 year-old Daniel Garcia... but, he would not stop.  Garcia allegedly ran another stop sign... and, caused the accident with the other driver hitting the fence and house.  Officers say Garcia continued on... but, later stopped in front of a southside home.  He then tried to flee on foot... but, officers grabbed him quickly and he was arrested.  Garcia faces nine counts of failing to stop at a stop sign... two counts of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation... and others... inculding leaving the scene of a personal injury accident... first-degree reckless endangerment... reckless driving... speeding... unlawfully fleeing a police officer... and, driving while under the influence of drugs.  He was jailed pending arraignment.  The driver of the other vehicle involved had minor injuries.

Jamestown woman arrested for alleged abuse of physically disabled person...
A city woman has been arrested for allegedly physically abusing a disabled person recently at a care facility on the city's southside.  Jamestown police were called to the unidentified location... and, following an investigation... a warrant was issued for the arrest of 51 year-old Patricia Baez.  Officers say Baez... who was employed as a caretaker at the facility... had grabbed the adult victim by the neck... and dragged them to their room.  Police executed an arrest warrant at Baez's home shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday on charges of first-degree endangering the welfare of a physically disabled person... and, criminal obstruction of breathing.  She's being held in the city jail pending arraignment.

No one hurt in I-90 Vehicle Fire... 
A tractor-trailer fire slowed down westbound traffic on the New York State Thruway in the town of Dunkirk Wednesday morning.  Chautauqua County fire dispatchers report that the blaze broke out near the Exit 59 off-ramp at about 7:45 a.m.  The fire caused the closure of the right lane westbound on Interstate 90.  Crews from Fredonia and East Dunkirk responded to the scene.  There were no reports of any injuries.

Tom Smothers, one half of long-time comedic brother duo, passes at age of 86...
One of the two brothers who made up one of the greatest comedic duos in history has died.  The National Comedy Center in Jamestown Wednesday announced that 86-year-old Tom Smothers, one half of the legendary Smothers Brothers comedy team, passed away peacefully Tuesday following a brief battle with cancer.  His brother, Dick Smothers, who co-starred with his brother on the much-celebrated Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, announced that Tom was at home with his family at the time of his passing.  The brothers were both here in July of 2019 for the dedication of an exhibit celebrating their work.  Tom and Dick Smothers were in true form that day... trading barbs... and, getting onlookers to laugh.  Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson says -- quote: "Tom Smothers was not only an extraordinary comedic talent, who, together with his brother Dick, became the most enduring comedy duo in history, entertaining the world for over six decades – but was a true champion for freedom of speech... harnessing the power of comedy to push boundaries and our political consciousness."  She adds they were proud to bring both out of retirement and reunite them on stage in 2019 to celebrate their legendary careers, and we are honored to preserve Tom’s remarkable work and legacy here at the National Comedy Center for generations to come.”

Cattaraugus County man arrested for alleged stabbing, then fleeing on tricycle...
A man from Cattaraugus County is accused of threatening another person and stabbing them on a bike trail near St. Bonaventure University -- just outside of Olean.  Sheriff's deputies in Little Valley were called to the scene on West State Road shortly after 5 PM Tuesday to the reported incident.  Officers say they spotted the suspect... 50 year-old Seth Palmer of Allegany... fleeing on a tricycle.  Palmer was followed to his home... where he was arrested on two counts each of second-degree assault, and second-degree menacing.  He was jailed with bail set pending a future court appearance.

City man arrested for giving police false name, and being wanted by sheriff's office...
A Jamestown man has been arrested after allegedly giving police a fake name... and, being wanted on a weapon's possession charge before trying to run from arresting officers.  City police say they were doing a street check near the intersection of West Fifth and Washington Streets shortly before Midnight Tuesday... when they stopped 38 year-old Dion Carr.  Officers say Carr gave them a false name several times before trying to flee.  Police arrested him quickly... and, he was taken to the city jail on charges of false personation... and, resisting arrest.  He was issued appearance tickets... and, turned over to the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office.

Jamestown man faces charges following Christmas Eve domestic incident...
A city man has been arrested on drug and other charges following a domestic incident on Christmas Eve... in which he allegedly threw a woman down a set of stairs.  Jamestown police were called to a northside address shortly before 4 p.m., and, found the victim, and the suspect, 35 year-old Bruce Miles, outside the residence.  The woman says Miles grabbed her by the back of her head... and, threw her down the stairs and outside.  When Miles was told he was under arrest... he resisted.  After a brief struggle... he was taken into custody... but, then resisted again as he was being put into a patrol car.  He allegedly caused damage to the vehicle.  At the city jail... Miles was searched... and, found with just over a gram of methamphetamine in his possession.  He was jailed pending arraignment on charges of second-degree harassment... resisting arrest... fourth-degree criminal mischief... and, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

City man accused of breaking into eastside home on Christmas Eve...
A Jamestown man is accused of breaking into an eastside home late Christmas Eve morning on the city's southside.  Jamestown police were called to a reported "burglary-in progress" at 33 Barrett Ave. shortly before Noon Sunday... and, on arrival... found a broken out rear window.  After making several announcements to come out... officers say 29 year-old Jeremy Lyons surrendered to police at the rear window.  Lyons was removed from the home... and, taking to the city jail without incident.  Police say further investigation showed that he had kicked out the rear window prior to entering the home.  Lyons was charged with third-degree criminal trespass... and, fourth-degree criminal mischief.  He was also found to have outstanding warrants through the Lakewood-Busti Police Department... and, was jailed pending arraignment.

Traffic stop late last week in the city leads to drug and weapons charges...
A 20 year-old man faces numerous charges after allegedly trying to drive away from a traffic stop and being found in possession of a loaded pistol, and a quantity of cocaine.  Jamestown police say they pulled over a car... that had a suspended vehicle registration... in the area of West Eighth and Monroe Streets shortly before 1 p.m. last Thursday.  Police tried to secure Angel Rondon-Gonzalez before he could drive away from the traffic stop.  However... he started driving away with officers in the vehicle.  They were able to get out safely... and, pursued the vehicle to West Eighth and Murray Avenue where Rondon-Gonzales got out and led police on a brief foot chase.  Officers recoved a loaded, semiautomatic pistol and a fanny pack containing a quanity of cocaine and cash that he apparently had tried to discard.  He was taken to the city jail on charges including: third-and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... second-degree criminal possession of a weapon... third-degree grand larceny... and, third-degree criminal possession of stolen property.  He was jailed pending arraignment.

Langworthy says "chaotic Congress" did have some achievements in 2023...
A number of observers have called this Congress one of the least productive on record... with only 22 bills being passed and enacted during the calendar year.  However... it wasn't really a full year for the House of Representatives due to the lateness of deciding on a speaker... and, then having Speaker Kevin McCarthy ousted 10 months later due to disagreements with a small number of far-right Republicans.  Local Congressman Nick Langworthy says they were able to accomplish one thing voters sent them to do: that was to curb the "out-of-control" spending by President Biden and liberal Democrats.  Langworthy feels another major accomplishment for the House GOP Majority was getting a debt-ceiling agreement with President Biden and Senate Democrats they intend to stick to.  The Buffalo-area Republican says the president wanted a "clean, no strings attached" debt ceiling increase, but, Republicans said no... and, that helped set the framework for some guard-rails on spending for 2024.  Langworthy says the 118th Congress was able to avoid a "Christmas Eve-multi-trilliion dollar" omibus bill for the first time in recent memory that included any number of "give-away" programs.  As for what may happen in the coming Election Year... he says people -- including several in his own party -- need to have more "realistic expectations."

City man arrested on "Hate Crime" charge following assault...
A fight on Jamestown's southside early Christmas Eve morning sent a city man to jail on an assault charge.  Jamestown police say they were called to the scene just before 3:30 a.m. Sunday... and, on arrival... found a victim who had been punched in the face. Through investigation... officers say they found that 31 year-old Kody Johnson had punched the victim in the face... and had used racial slurs during the altercation.  Johnson was arrested for third-degree assault... and commiting a hate crime.  He was jailed pending arraignment.

Borrello blasts Hochul for signing even-numbered local election year bill...
The effort to get local governments to move their elections to even-numbered years is now law... and, it's drawing the wrath of Republicans across the state.  Local State Senator George Borrello says Governor Kathy Hochul's signing of the measure late last week puts those elections alongside elections for Senate, Assembly, statewide offices, Congress and president.  Borrello says "just in time for Christmas, Democrats have delivered a lump of coal to New Yorkers in the form of another brazen effort to rig the political system in their favor."

Five people being helped by Red Cross after apartment house on Bowen Street hit by fire...
Five people were displaced by a fire early Friday morning in a home with two apartments at 96 Bowen Street in Jamestown.  Fire Department Battalion Chief Brian Acterburg reports crews were summoned at 12:06 a.m. and found fire on the first floor... extending to the second.  Crews were there for three hours, but the flames were fully out in about 30 minutes.  Damage described as 'minor.'  There were no injuries.  The cause is being investigated.  Fire fighters rescued a dog from the first floor apartment.  The Red Cross is helping the evacuees. 

Lakewood-Bustii police warn drivers to be careful with holiday traffic on Fairmount Avenue...
There's been a notable increase in the number of motor vehicle accidents being responded to by Lakewood-Busti Police and the Lakewood Fire Department in recent days.  In a Facebook posting... police say that's especially been the case on Fairmount Ave., and, they are reminding motorists to obey the speed limit and stay attentive to the traffic flow with the increased volume due to the holidays.  In fact... officials say the police and fire departments responded to three traffic accidents at the intersection of Fairmount and Fairdale Avenues -- in front of Wal-Mart -- this past Wednesday.  They also remind folks to slow down when approaching an emergency scene... move over and listen to any emergency directives or detours.  They say they are in place to keep motorists and first responders safe... and to keep traffic moving.  They add it is the law to comply to any emergency traffic directives from Fire and Police personnel. 

Jamestown man pleads guilty to federal Child Porn charge... 
A city man has pleaded guilty to federal child pornography distribution following a more than two-year investigation into the allegations.  U.S. Attorney Trini Ross says 23 year-old Brandon Uber pled guilty Thursday to one count of distribution of child pornography before U.S. District Court Judge Richard Arcara.  Prosecutors say in March of 2021... Uber sent a Snapchat user image and video files of a 16-year-old minor female engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  They add he also received images and videos of child pornography from other users of social media applications.  Prosecutors say -- in addition -- Uber had online conversations with another known minor female victim, during which he persuaded her to create sexually explicit videos of herself to send to him.  He stored the pornography he received and distributed on various electronic devices that were seized during the investigation.  Ross says Uber faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a maximum of 20, and a $250,000 fine.  He's to be sentenced next June.

Ecklund names four of her department head-cabinet members...
Incoming Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund says she's been able to fill four positions in her administration... with more to follow prior to her taking office on Jan. 1.  Ecklund says one of her biggest priorities was filling the City Comptroller's position... which has been filled by a handful of people since the COVID Pandemic began.  Ecklund says she's tapping a fellow co-worker from eSolutions -- Bush Industries -- to perform those duties.  She says Ericka Thomas has 35-plus years of experience in the private sector -- most of that at eSolutions.  Ecklund says the good news is... both she and Thomas have been able to look further at the city's current finances to get a better handle on where things stand.  While she has no doubts about Thomas being able to do the job... she says the new comptroller still has to learn the "government side" of the job.  In addition... Ecklund says City Clerk Jennifer Williams will be staying on in that position.  Ecklund adds that current, interim Public Works Director Mark Roetzer will also be staying on.  She made her comments for this coming weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the six Media One Radio Group stations.

County Legislature honors retiring members...
The Chautauqua County Legislature spent part of Wednesday night's final meeting of 2023 recognizing lawmakers who are leaving the panel at the end of the year.  Dunkirk Republican Kevin Muldowney came up just short in his effort to win a fifth-term last month.  Muldowney began his political career in the office of late State Senator Jess Present over three decades ago.  Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon read off a long list of accomplishments... which Muldowney responded to jokingly... saying listing those sounded "more like a eulogy."  Lawmakers also recognized Jamestown Republican Elisabeth Rankin... who was first elected to the legislature in 2015.  She brought her family up with her... and, expressed her appreciation to them... and, her fellow legislators.  She says it was an honor to serve, but, also a big responsibility.  One other legislator from Jamestown... Democrat Billy Torres... was unable to attend the meeting due to a death in the family.  Two other Republicans... John Davis from the Frewsburg-area in District 16... and, John Hemmber from the Westfield area representing District 19... were also presented commendations for their work on the legislature.

Two Chautauqua County men sentenced to prison time...
A Jamestown man has been sentenced to two-years in state prision after being convicted for striking a city police officer in the face during an incident in August of last year.  Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt says 35 year-old Travis Colley was given the sentence by Judge David Foley for one count of second-degree assault as police were attempting to arrest Colley for another incident.  Schmidt says -- quote -- "as I see it, any violence committed against a police officer is an attack upon our entire community."  City Police Chief Tim Jackson adds that -- "I am pleased to hear that Colley will be held responsible for his senseless and cowardice act.” 
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In addition... a Silver Creek man has been sentenced to 3 to 6 years in state prison for possessing a gun while being a convicted Felon.  D.A. Schmidt says 28 year-old Dakota Sugg received the sentence from Judge Foley for third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  Schmidt says Sugg pled guilty to the charge... which also covers a number of other charges he faced.  He was also sentenced as a predicate felon... with this being his second felony conviction within 10 years.  The D.A. thanked a handful of departments... including Dunkirk and Fredonia police... for their work on Suggs' respective cases.

UPMC reinstates masking requirement at facilities in light of increases in respiratory illnesses...
With the recent increase in cases of respiratory illnesses -- including Covid, influenza and RSV -- UPMC has reinstated masking requirements at their faclities.  In a press statement... UPMC officials said -- "to protect the health and safety of our employees, patients and visitors, everyone in our health care facilities will wear effective masks... which reduce transmission of respiratory viruses in health care settings."  UPMC says they will continue to "monitor the number of cases in our communities and adjust our protocols as the situation evolves."  The requirement includes UPMC Chautauqua Hospital in Jamestown.

County Legislature delays action on $100,000 grant for public arts program...
The Chautauqua County Legislature has tabled action on a resolution to allocate $100,000 to help create an Public Arts Program.  The agreement with the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation to use 3% Reserve Funding for the effort.  Jamestown Republican Dave Wilfong says he and other lawmakers have questions about how the money will be used... and, if there is a business plan for it's use.  Wilfong says they would also like to know what the plan is to help promote the arts across the county.  The motion to table was approved 17-to-1 with Sheridan Republican Terry Neibel casting the lone "no" vote. 
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Lawmakers last night decided to keep a motion supporting Israel... and, condemning anti-semitism on the table for another month.  In addition... the legislature recognized the lawmakers who are retiring at the end of the year.  They include: Republican's Kevin Muldowney, Elisabeth Rankin, John Davis and John Hemmer... and Democrat Billy Torres.

Langworthy calls Colorado Supreme Court ruling knocking Trump of the ballot there "outrageous..."
Local Congressman Nick Langworthy says Tuesday's "unprecedented Colorado Supreme Court decision is pure partisan election interference."  The Buffalo-area Republican says "this outrageous rulling cannot be allowed to stand.  The abuse of our justice system to obstruct President Trump’s widely-supported re-election campaign is a blatant assault on the very foundations of our democracy."  He adds it would disenfranchise millions of voters in the process. 

Gillibrand says work continues on security aid for Ukraine, Israel and southern border...
There are still a number of sticking points when it comes to a comprehensive bill that provides additional aid to Ukraine and Isreal... and, also deals with border security.  That from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand... who says those discussions -- especially regarding the southern border -- are continuing in Washington, D.C.  The New York Democrat says stemming the flow of illegal drugs over the border is also part of the discussion.  She says there's bipartisan support for efforts to stem fentanyl coming over the border, and, to deal with asylum issues.  Gillibrand says lawmakers are also debating issues... including work visas... and, what's the best process for seeking asylum.  While she would like to see an agreement reached before the Senate adjourns for the Christmas Holiday break... she says that may likely have to wait until the new year.

City man sentenced for being found with 1,000 grams of cocaine during Catt. County traffic stop...
A Jamestown man who was stopped by police in Cattaraugus County on New Year's Eve of 2020 and found with 1,000-grams of cocaine will spending three-years in federal prison.  U-S Attorney Trini Ross has announced that 29 year-old Eddie Ortiz-Ortiz... who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine... received the sentence late tuesday from U-S District Court Judge John Sinatra, Jr.  Prosecutors say on Jan. 31 of that year... a Cattaraugus County Sherriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 86 of of Ortiz’s vehicle.  As the deputy spoke with Ortiz... he detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.  A K-9 unit was brought in and provided a positive alert to a wrapped white package located within the vehicle.  The package contained the cocaine.

Pair of people from Jamestown plead guilty to taking part in local drug trafficking conspiracy...
Two city residents have pleaded guilty in federal court to being involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy in Jamestown led by Richard Philbrick.  U.S. Attorney Trini Ross announced Tuesday that 31 year-old Savannah Gross pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Roemer to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.  In addition... Ross says 34 year-old Kyle Lewis pled guilty to narcotics conspiracy.  Prosecutors say that as a couple -- Gross and Philbrick -- bought and sold heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine for profit and their own use.  The couple used and maintained homes on Newland Avenue for their drug trafficking activities.  During the course of the investigation, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Gross.  They say Lewis distributed amounts of heroin and fentanyl -- sourced in part from Philbrick -- and, he used electronic media to facilitate his drug trafficking activities,  including social media and cash applications. Investigators made five controlled purchases of drugs from Lewis during the investigation.  Richard Philbrick was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.  Gross faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison, a maximum of life, and a $10-million fine.  Lewis faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1-million fine.

Ohio man arrested for allegedly working with Jamestown drug dealer to traffic heroin, fentanyl, and meth...
A man from Ohio has been arrested for allegedly being part of a drug trafficking conspiracy in Jamestown... led by another known drug kingpin.  U.S. Attorney Trini Ross announced Tuesday that 24 year-old Justin Whitfield of Cincinnati was charged with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison... and, a maximum of life.  Federal prosecutors say the U-S Drug Enforcement Administration has investigated the activities of Rocco Beardsley for the past more than four years... and, they determined that Whitfield was part of the local trafficking of heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine.  During the investigation... investigators found that Whitfield would supply Beardsley with methamphetamine from the Cinncinati-area.  They add that Whitfield introduced Beardsley to the source... and, used social media to conduct drug-related conversations.  After an initial court appearance... Whitfield was detained. 

Man who helped man killed by drug overdose sentenced...
A Jamestown man who was with a person who died from an overdose of heroin and fentanyl in the city will spend the next two years in federal prison.  U.S. Attorney Trini Ross says 29 year-old Brendan Farver received the term in federal court in Buffalo after being convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.  Prosecutors say Farver bought and sold heroin, fentanyl, and meth for profit and his own use, and made deals for other drug dealers in and around the Jamestown area.  In late 2020... he brought a heroin/fentanyl mix to an associate identified as "K.T." at that person's Jamestown home.  The two then injected the drugs... and the following morning... city police were called to the house for a reported overdose, and "K.T." was found dead.

UPMC reinstates face masking requirement to visit their facilities...
With the recent increase in cases of respiratory viruses -- including Covid, influenza and RSV -- UPMC has reinstated masking requirements at their faclities -- beginning Wednesday.  In a press statement... UPMC officials say -- "to protect the health and safety of our employees, patients and visitors, everyone in our health care facilities will wear effective masks... which reduce transmission of respiratory viruses in health care settings."  UPMC says they will continue to monitor the number of cases in our communities and adjust our protocols as the situation evolves.  The requirement includes UPMC Chautauqua Hospital in Jamestown.

Sundquist reflects on four years as Jamestown Mayor...
Monday night's City Council meeting was the final one for outgoing Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist... who expressed his appreciation for the work of council... city employees... and supporters during his four-years in office.  Sundquist says his administration had a rough start with several issues to be dealt with... and, then two months into 2020... the COVID-19 Pandemic hit.  He says there were unsettled labor contracts, and social strife.  Sundquist adds there were financial successes over the past four year... including reducing costs for health insurance... along with building the city's fund balance to it's largest levels yet.  As for public safety... Sundquist says there were some successes... in getting more officers on the street, and adding to their ranks... along with firefighters. 

Geise thrilled IDA has approved incentives for project to renovate Wells Enterprises plant in Dunkirk...   
A major Dunkirk-area employer will be getting help from the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency in its renovation project.  On Tuesday... the IDA's Board of Directors approved incentives to Wells Enterprises, which include a 10-year, $2.2 million Payment in Lieu of Tax agreement... and, an $11.5-million sales tax exemption. CCIDA Chief Executive Officer Mark Geise says it's big news for the area... because Wells will be able to save money on the new, smaller plant facility.  However, he adds it will be much more efficient.  Geise says he's "thrilled" to help Wells with the project, which will result in the retention of over 400 jobs and, once completed, add about 200 new jobs.  He says they've been working with Wells for "some time" on this deal.  The renovation project is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024.

City Council approves budget changes for 2024 to stem $1.6-million dollar shortfall in highway funding...
The Jamestown City Council has further amended the 2024 budget to eliminate a $1.6-million shortfall in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program... or CHIPS funding.  Lawmakers approved the changes at last night's meeting... which involved some cuts... and use of just over $500,000 more in the city's fund balance.  Finance Committee Chairwoman Kim Ecklund says other potential shortfalls will be addressed after the start of the new year.  Those would be in state retirement funding, and health insurance.  That potential shortfall in retirement and health insurance is believed to be about $700,000.  The amount of fund balance to be used to offse the shortfall is $504,000.  One other change was to cut Parks Administration by $28,000... for a total cut there of $40,000.  City lawmakers approved the just over $40-million budget at the end of November... but, the new changes will be part of the new spending plan as tax bills are sent out for 2024.  According to budget figures after council action last night... the tax rate would be reduced to $23.35 per $1,000 full value.
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Also at last night's meeting... Jamestown Police Chief and Public Safety Director Tim Jackson was reappointed for another two-years... through December of 2025.  Jackson was first appointed to replace the retired Harry Snellings in November of 2020.

Florida woman sentenced for transporting nearly 10-pounds of Fentanyl into the city a year ago...
A Florida woman arrested just over a year ago with nearly 10 pounds of Fentanyl stashed away in her car's battery has been sentenced to just over seven-years in federal prison.  U.S. Attorney Trini Ross announced late Monday that 67 year-old Elina Martinez of Miami who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of Fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 85 months in prison in U.S. District Court in Buffalo.  Prosecutors say a city police officer pulled over Martinez’s vehicle on Dec. 7, 2022 -- which had a Missouri license plate -- for committing a number of traffic violations.  Martinez, who produced her driver's license, and, car rental paperwork to the officer, gave consent for the officer to search the car.  Officers opened the hood of the car and saw an “aftermarket” car battery that appeared to be too large for the car and tampered with due to the presence of an unknown adhesive.  Officers cut into the battery and found a plastic bag containing a large quantity of blue pills.  Martinez was detained, and the car was towed for a more extensive search.  Officers later searched the car battery and the car and discovered a plastic bag containing approximately 9-pounds, 13 ounces of blue pills bearing the markings “m” and “30.”  The pills contained 4,389 grams of fentanyl.  

City man sentenced to 8-yrs, one-month for being part of meth trafficking ring in Jamestown...
A Jamestown man found guilty of being part of a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy has been sentenced to eight-years and one-month in federal prison.  U.S. Attorney Trini Ross announced Monday that 57-year-old Austin Gordon... who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five grams or more of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, was sentenced to serve 97 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard Arcara.  Prosecutors say... between June and December 2019... Gordon bought, sold, and distributed quantities of meth for profit the Jamestown area... using Facebook to conduct his drug trafficking.  On July 16th of that year... investigators searching for a federal fugitive at a Bishop Street home in Jamestown found methamphetamine inside the residence.  Investigators later raided the home and found meth and drug paraphernalia... along with $1,476 in cash.  In November of 2019, investigators raided Gordon’s Newland Avenue residence... and, recovered 32 grams of meth, illicit mushrooms, $1,642 in cash, two firearms, and 454 rounds of . ammunition.  Gordon was is a convicted Felon, and, is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.  Co-defendants Miller Hagga, Kylie Reeves, Garland Beardsley, Tyler Tedesco, Michael Murphy, and Giselle Bennett were previously convicted.

Weekend traffic stop in Jamestown leads to arrest of fugitive...
A traffic stop last weekend on Jamestown's westside has led to the arrest of a 43 year-old man for being a fugitive from justice in Pennsylvania.  City police say their violent crime unit conducted the stop in the area of Cherry and West Sixth Streets just before 3 p.m. last Saturday.  Through their investigation... officers found that the passenger of the vehicle, Richard Conway, had a confirmed warrant out of Pennsylvania.  Conway was taken into custody without incident and taken to the city jail.  He's charged with being a fugitive... and, is being held pending arraignment.

City man arrested on northside for alleged domestic incident...
A Jamestown man is accused of allegedly damaging another person's property during a domestic incident on the city's northside late last Saturday night.  Jamestown police say they were called to the scene shortly before 12 Midnight... and, their investigation showed that Hector Ortiz-Rodriguez damaged the victim's coffee table during the incident.  When Ortiz-Rodriguez was told that he was being arrested... he tried to flee the home.  However... he was quickly apprehended and was taken into custody without further incident.  Ortiz-Rodriguez was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief... and resisting arrest... and he was jailed pending arraignment.

Winter storm Monday night into Tuesday expected to being 4 to 6 inches of snow to Jamestown...
Winter weather is returning to the western Southern Tier later today... and, a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Chautauqua County... beginning at 5 p.m.  Forecaster John Hitchcock with the National Weather Service says we will see a few inches in the immediate Jamestown-area with more along the higher elevations... including the Chautauqua Ridge.  He says places like Sherman and Cassadaga may get 7 to 10 inches of the white stuff... with 4-to-6 in and around Jamestown.  Hitchcock says... by late afternoon we'll see a rain-snow mix before changing over to snow by the evening.  The most of the snowfall... 2-to-4... and 3-to-5 inches... will take place overnight.  He says we'll also see winds gusting to about 30 mph.  We'll see another 1 to 2 inches tomorrow morning before things taper off after 10 a.m. 

City woman arrested following domestic for injuring another person, and destroying dresser...
A Jamestown woman is accused of injuring a person... destroying their dresser... and, throwing a bucket of urine on them during a weekend domestic dispute.  City police were called to a westside address about 12:30 a.m. Sunday on a report of a domestic incident.  Officers say their investigation showed that 45 year-old Amanda Griffin had attacked the victim... cauing physical injury.  They also found that Griffin had destroyed the dresser... and, then threw the human urine on them.  Griffin was taken into custody on charges of third-degree assault... fourth-degree criminal mischief... and third-degree criminal tampering.  She was jailed pending arraignment.

Holiday Haul is another success...
The 11th annual Holiday Haul for St. Susan’s Center brought in 19,026 pounds of food and $19,585 in monitary donations.  The event wrapped up in Brooklyn Square on Saturday afternoon.  Dan Keefe of Cummins Engine was in his first year as chairman of the event.  He was delighted with the sustained support... adding that there are people who have donated items each of the event's 11 years in existance.  The Executive Director of St. Susan’s Center, Cherie Rowland, believes there’s another positive aspect of being right in front of the public for three straight days... and, that's being able to talk to people about how things are going at the center... and, what they need.  Donations to the Holiday Haul help sustain St. Susan’s Center into the spring.  This year’s food collection was half a ton more than last year.  The financial contributions were down a little from 2022.

City man arrested for alleged break-in at downtown business...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly breaking into a downtown business early last Friday night... then leading police on a foot chase.  City police were called to the scene of a "burglary-in-progress" about 7:30 p.m., and while investigating, they found 37 year-old Michael Clark in the immediate area.  Officers say they were trying to identify Clark... who gave them a fake name.  Once police said they were detaining him... he tried to flee -- but, was caught after a brief pursuit.  Clark was also found to have outstanding warrants for his arrest out of city court.  He was also arrested for fourth-degree criminal mischief... second-degree criminal impersonation... possession of burglary tools and resisting arrest.  Clark was taken to the city jail pending arraignment.

City woman arrested for drug possession, and trying to bribe JPD officers...
A Jamestown woman has been arrested on a warrant... and, being in possession of drugs... and, trying to bribe police following an incident on the city's southside.  Jamestown police say members of their violent crime unit were patrolling the area of Newland and Barrett Avenues shortly after 4 p.m. last Friday... and saw 26 year-old Janie Blakey walking in the area.  Officers knew that a bench warrant had been issued for her arrest.  When officers tried to arrest Blakey... she ran off.  After a very short foot pursuit... police were able to take her into custody without further incident.  A search of her person turned up 10 suboxone strips in her possession.  While taking her to the city jail... Blakey is accused of trying to bribe officers for her release from custody with cash multiple times.  She continued doing so even after being told that her actions were illegal.  In addition to the warrant... Blakey is charged with third-degree bribery... seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.... and, resisting arrest.  She was jailed pending arraignment.

Langworthy hopes to have new Farm Bill finished in first-quarter of 2024...
The controversy surrounding the ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the search for a new one has left a lot not done in Congress.  That includes a new, five-year Farm Bill... which should have been in place by now.  However... it will likely be sometime in the first-quarter before that's completed.  That from local Congressman Nick Langworthy... who is a member of the House Agriculture Committee.  He add they also have another government funding bill to deal with next month.  An extension of the Farm Bill has been approved... and, many parts of the legislation are already in place awaiting final approval.  Langworthy was joined by Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania... whose district includes Warren County... for a listening session in Chautauqua County earlier this year.  The Buffalo-area Republican says they got a lot of good input from that... including addressing issues with dairy farming, and workforce development.  
 

Kennedy man arrested in Jamestown for illegal possession of loaded handgun...
A man from Kennedy has been arrested in the city of Jamestown for being in possession of a loaded pistol... but, did not have a valid pistol permit.  City police say their K-9 Unit conducted a traffic stop about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Myrtle Street and Fairfield Avenue.  During the investigation... officers found that 36 year-old Zachary Buck had the pistol inside a bag that was strapped across his chest.  A background check showed he did not have the gun legally... and, Buck was arrested for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  He was jailed pending arraignment... and, he was also issued numerous traffic tickets.

Two Jamestown residents arrested for allegedly trafficking cocaine...
Two city residents have been arrested following ongoing investigations into the trafficking of cocaine in and around the Jamestown-area in recent months.  City police say members of their Metro Drug Task Force and the Chautauqua County Sheriffs Office narcotics investigators raided the home at 143 English St. at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday with the help of the JPD SWAT Team.  Officers found one suspect... 41 year-old Tami Martinez... and, a juvenile inside.  Once the home was secured... detectives searched and found just over 105-grams of cocaine... scales... packaging materials... and, $2,267-dollars in cash.  Martinez arrested... and, taken to the city jail on two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  
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At the same time... City police and Sheriff's Office narcotics investigators were conducting surveillance on a location where 37 year-old Omar Marrero was supposed to be located.  Police say Marrero was wanted by federal probation out of the U-S District Court for the Western District of New York.  When Marrero came out of the residence... investigators took him into custody on the warrant.  He was allegedly found in possession of 28.5-grams of cocaine, and 686-dollars in cash.  Marrero was taken to the city jail... where he's being held on the warrant as well as two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  City police say more charges... and, arrests are pending.  If you have any information about drug or criminal activity... call the JPD Tipline at 716-483-TIPS -- that's 483-8477.  For the Sheriff's Office Tip line call either 800-344-8702 or 664-2420.

Borrello blasts state Court of Appeals decision on sending Congressional map issue back to commission...
State Senator George Borrello is blasting the state Court of Appeals ruling that New York's Congressional districts must be redrawn by the Independent Redistricting Commission.  In a statement following Tuesday's 4-3 ruling... Borrello says "the Court of Appeals decision that the congressional maps drawn by an independent expert should be thrown out and replaced with gerrymandered maps created by New York’s Democratic machine is deeply disappointing.  The ruling confirms that Democrats have successfully weaponized our courts, and tainted the last truly independent branch of state government."  The Sunset Bay Republican adds that it's also a "veiled message to New Yorkers that the ‘will of the people’ won’t be honored unless it aligns with the will of New York’s corrupt ruling class."  Borrello adds the "accountable, transparent redistricting process that state residents voted for has been thrown aside."  He says it's been "defeated by brazen political ambition and corruption."

Borrello expresses appreciation to DiNapoli for work as comptroller, and his comments about the Sunset Bay Republican...
New York State Senator George Borrello says he is very appreciative of of State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's visit to Chautauqua County late last week... and, his sharing information on the county's financial successes.  The Sunset Bay Republican... who attended DiNapoli's keynote address to the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce at Moonbrook Country Club last week... says the Long Island Democrat has been very straight forward in his assessment of the state's financial situation.  Borrello says... at the same time... DiNapoli tried to provide some perspective and hope for the state regarding it's financial status.  Initially... it was believed there could be as much as a $36-billion deficit in the coming year... and, "out-years."  However... he said revenues have improved... and, the deficit may be just over $20-billion.  Borrello adds that the two have worked well together on several issues, including Nourish NY... and, keeping oversight with the comptroller's office.

Ribbon is cut on new Evergreen Health "medical corridor" on Prather Ave....
Evergreen Health has had a location in the city of Jamestown for three-decades now... but, now has one place to house all of it's services to the local community.  The ribbon was cut Wednesday morning on their new "medical corridor" building at 320 Prather Ave.  During the program... Evergreen's President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Ganoe... noted that that this is the culmination of their efforts which began with purchase of the building in 2018.  Evergreen's Vice-President for Coordinated Care in the Southern Tier... Laurie Matson... explained the many services they now offer... including primary care, Hepatitis B testing and care, HIV prevention, transgender care, housing and a syringe exchange program.  Evergreen is the former AIDS Community Services... which has had an office in the Jametown-area since 1991.  A number of officials were on hand... including Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist... who received health care services previously in that building... but, recalled having to go to the basement-area through a dimmly lit hallway.  Sundquist says it's much better looking than it was back then. 

State Appeals Court says NY Congressional Districts need to be redrawn by Independent Commission...
New York’s highest court has ordered the state to draw new congressional districts ahead of the 2024 elections... giving Democrats a potential advantage in what is expected to be a battleground for control of the U.S. House.  The 4-3 decision from the New York Court of Appeals Tuesday could have major ramifications as Democrats angle for more favorable district lines in the state next year.  Republicans, who won control of the House after flipping seats in New York, sought to keep the map in place.  The state’s bipartisan Independent Redistricting Commission will now be tasked with coming up with new districts... which will then go before the Democrat-controlled Legislature for approval.  The court ordered the commission to file a map no later than next Feb. 28.  Some Republicans have already vowed to appeal the decision.
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In response... State Senator George Borrello is blasting the Court of Appeals ruling that New York's Congressional districts must be redrawn by the Independent Redistricting Commission.  In a statement following Tuesday's 4-3 ruling... Borrello says "the Court of Court of Appeals decision that the congressional maps drawn by an independent expert should be thrown out and replaced with gerrymandered maps created by New York’s Democratic machine is deeply disappointing.  The ruling confirms that Democrats have successfully weaponized our courts and tainted the last truly independent branch of state government." 

City of Jamestown looking at $1.6-million to $2.5-million shortfall in 2024 budget...
The city of Jamestown could be looking at as much as a $2.5-million shortfall in 2024... depending on how the final numbers fall.  That from City Council Finance Committee Chairwoman Kim Ecklund during her report to lawmakers during last night's work session.  Ecklund says that number came from former City Comptroller Joe Bellitto... who was asked by lawmakers to review the current year's... and, next year's budgets.  Ecklund says Bellitto's preliminary projects say there could be that $2.5-million shortfall.  However... a copy of his correspondence to city lawmakers only states up to a $1.59-million potential deficit.  Ecklund says most of the questions surround the $1.6-million in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program... or CHIPS Funding from New York state.  Mayor Eddie Sundquist and his finance team also provided information on where the money was going... along with some recommendations to cover any potential shortfall.  He says typically you have "CHIPS going in... and, you have CHIPS going out."  However... only part of that funding was going out.  Sundquist says there are also newer guidelines for what CHIPS funding can be used for.  One area suggested that might be cut in 2024 would be the $500,000 line-item for demolitions.  Sundquist says sidewalk work is another area where money could be moved from. 

City man to be sentenced on Child Porn charges arrested in Erie Co. on drug related charges...
A traffic stop early Sunday on Seneca Nation territory in Erie County led to the arrest of a Jamestown man who is awaiting sentencing for a child pornography conviction.  Erie County Sheriff's deputies pulled over a vehicle in the area of the Seneca One Stop gas station on Route 20, shortly after 3:15 a.m., and found that 25-year-old Jarred Ristau was allegedly in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine.  Ristau allegedly began to fight with officers, and resist arrest  However... he was taken into custody a short time later.  During processing... officers found Ristau was wanted on a bench warrant out of Crawford County, Pennsylvania for failure to appear in court.  He is also currently released under supervision, and is awaiting sentencing in Chautauqua County for possessing child pornography.  New charges against Ristau include: tampering with/or destroying physical evidence... two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... criminally using drug paraphernalia... resisting arrest, obstruction, and others.  He was taken to the Erie County Holding Center pending arraignment... and, extradition to Crawford County, Pa.

DiNapoli expresses appreciation to Borrello for supporting his oversight efforts...
You don't often see someone on one side of the political aisle compliment someone on the other side.  However... that was the case during last Friday's annual meeting of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce.  During his introductory remarks... State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli recognized several people in the audience -- and one was Republican State Senator George Borrello.  DiNapoli -- a Democrat -- says he first met Borrello when he was County Executive... and, knows him now as Ranking member of the Senate's Agriculture committee.  He says he was pleased that Borrello supported his efforts to oversee the Nourish-New York program.  DiNapoli says Borrello... who developed the program with Queens Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz... had some pointed questions about how the state was handling the program -- especially the previous administration.  The Nourish-New York program grew out of the need to help people with food insecurities during the COVID Pandemic. 

County's Finance Office in Mayville to be closed for an hour on Friday afternoon...
The Chautauqua County Department of Finance will be closed for one-hour during the business day this coming Friday, Dec. 15.  Finance Director Kitty Crow says their location in the Gerace Office Building in Mayville will shut down from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., and, this will include the Treasury, Real Property Tax, Purchasing, Budget, Insurance, and Payroll divisions. 

Jamestown man awaiting sentencing on Child Porn conviction arrested last weekend in Erie County, NY on drug charges...
A traffic stop early Sunday on Seneca Nation territory in Erie County led to the arrest of a Jamestown man who is awaiting sentencing for a child pornography conviction.  Erie County Sheriff's deputies pulled over a vehicle in the area of the Seneca One Stop gas station on Route 20, shortly after 3:15 a.m., and found that 25-year-old Jarred Ristau was allegedly in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine.  Ristau allegedly began to fight and resist arrest, but was taken into custody a short time later.  During processing, officers found Ristau was wanted on a bench warrant out of Crawford County, Pennsylvania for failing to appear in court. He is also currently released under supervision and is awaiting sentencing in Chautauqua County for possessing child pornography. Charges against Ristau include: tampering with, or destroying physical evidence, two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminally using drug paraphernalia, and, resisting arrest.  He was jailed in Erie County pending arraignment... and, extradition to Crawford County, Pa.

City woman arrested for allegedly stealing packages off northside porches...
A Jamestown woman faces numerous charges after allegedly stealing -- or trying to steal -- packages off the porches of homes on the city's northside last weekend.  Jamestown police say they got a report of a larceny in progress shortly before 10 AM Saturday... and, were told by the victim that they saw a suspicious vehicle traveling slowly down their street.  The victim says their home surveillance camera showed someone in the vehicle had just stolen a package off their porch.  While on the phone with 9-1-1 dispatchers... the suspect vehicle returned to the area and parked in front of another home that also had a package on it's porch.  The victim says they approached the suspect vehicle and tried to get them to stop.  However... the vehicle sped towards the victim at a high rate of speed and drove around the victim... almost hitting them.  The victim was able to get the license plate number... and, a patrol found the car near Fulton and Strong Streets.  Police say one of the occupants... 35-year-old Kristin Dale... quickly entered a nearby residence and locked the door.  They say Dale was known to have outstanding warrants for burglary and grand larceny from Busti Town Court.  Officers say Dale initially refused to come out... but, was later found and arrested.  Police also found Dale in possession of a quantity drugs... as well as items stolen from multiple victims.  She was arrested and jailed pending arraignment.

DiNapoli says NYS needs to "right-size" SUNY and CUNY in light of falling enrollments...
New York state needs to "figure out how to right-size" both the State University of New York... and, City University of New York to allow them to "survive and thrive."  Those are the feelings of State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli during last week's keynote address at the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting.  DiNapoli says he understand's the SUNY College at Fredonia's recommendation to drop more than a dozen programs in light of a $10-million to $17-million deficit.  Fredonia President Dr. Stephen Kolison was among those on hand for the chamber's gathering... after annoucing earlier in the week that he is recommending 13 programs be dropped due to low enrollments.  DiNapoli says private colleges across the state are facing the same problem.  He says his office has been working on an analysis of the economic impact of SUNY and CUNY, and, the state's private colleges, in light of demographics and enrollment changes.  DiNapoli says he was happy to hear that enrollment is up at SUNY Jamestown Community College.

Borrello pleased with Court of Appeals ruling on Concealed Carry law...
While most provisions of New York's Concealed Carry Improvement Act are allowed to remain in effect, a local state lawmaker says Friday's ruling by the 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals is "a victory for New York's law-abiding gun owners."   That from State Senator George Borrello... who says that's because three of the provisions were struck down.  Borrello says the court "rightly affirmed" that New Yorkers who are licensed to carry handguns can be armed on private property that's open to the public, including businesses.  The Sunset Bay Republican adds he feels confident the rest of the CCIA will be struck down by the courts in the near future.

City man arrested for allegedly punching woman multiple times in domestic violence incident...
A Jamestown man is accused of punching a woman in the back of the head multiple times during a domestic violence incident on the city's eastside early Sunday morning.  Jamestown police were called to the unidentified location about 1 a.m. for a reported "physical domestic."  Officers say their investigation found that 37 year-old Robert Fraley punched the female victim numerous times... causing substantial pain.  Fraley was arrested for third-degree assault... and, taken to the city jail pending arraignment.

Big Band Christmas a big success...
First Covenant Church in Jamestown was jammed with over 400 people for the first ever ‘Big Band Christmas’ last Friday night.  When it was over, organizer John Cross said he was “happy the walls were still standing."  Cross says they had a great turn-out and he was very pleased with the support for the program.  First Covenant was the home of the annual Living Christmas Tree for 35 years, ending in 2019.  John Cross hinted that legacy might continue... and some called it the "Living Christmas Tree, light." 

DiNapoli says NYS still looking at "out-years" $20-billion deficit...
New York state is looking at a just over $20-billion budget deficit over the next couple of years... which is about half of what was being anticipated a short time ago.  That from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli during a wide-ranging keynote address to the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce during it's annual meeting at Moonbrook Country Club north of Jamestown.  DiNapoli says the revenue surge coming out of the COVID pandemic slowed the past year... and, projections were lowered.  He adds, though, that revenues did pick up during the course of 2023.  He says that helped lower deficit projections from $7-billion to $9-billion to about about $4.3-billion.  DiNapoli says COVID is in the rear-view mirror... but, adds we are still "in recovery" mode.  He says... from a jobs and economic standpoint the state is doing "okay."  He commended the chamber and it's work because they are among the major employers here and across New York.  DiNapoli calls them the "conveners of all the stakeholders" because they run businesses... and, sit on the boards of several non-profits.  He also discussed recent issues with the State University of New York... and, in particular the recent announcement of recommended curriculum cuts at the SUNY College at Fredonia. 

 
Bicyclist seriously hurt in collision with Truck in Fredonia-area...
One person was flown to an area hospital following a collision between a bicycle and a truck in the Fredonia area Friday afternoon.  Chautauqua County Sheriff's dispatchers say the incident occurred on Seymour Road between Webster Road and the village line about 3:15 p.m., with the bicyclist transported by MedEvac Helicopter to the Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.  The victim’s condition was not immediately available.  The investigation is continuing.

Jamestown man arrested following southside domestic incident...
A city man has been arrested for allegedly pinning a woman down on a couch... and, stealing items from her... during a domestic incident on Jamestown's southside.  City police were called to the unidentified home shortly before 5 p.m. Thursday on a report of a domestic dispute.  When they arrived... officers learned that 25 year-old Glenn Ratliff had pushed the woman down, and held her against her will.  While she was being held... Ratliff allegedly damaged the female's hooded sweatshirt... and stole her cell phone. The incident also occurred in the presence of a child.  Officers arrested Ratliff without incident for third-degree robbery... second-degree unlawful imprisonment... fourth-degree criminal mischief... and, endangering the welfare of a child.  He was jailed pending arraignment.

Pair of men -- one from Jamestown -- arrrested for drug possession following traffic stop...
Two men -- one from Jamestown -- face drug-related charges after they were allegedly found with drugs... including a significant amount of Fentanyl... during a traffic stop in the city this week.  Jamestown police say members of the Violent Crime and K-9 Units conducted the stop after seeing the driver commit an infraction in the area of North Main and West 18th Streets.  During the investigation... officers conducted a search... and, found a small, ripped-off baggie containing an unknown, white powdery substance consistent with narcotics.  With that... they arrested the driver, 24 year-old Davonte Green of Jamestown... and, his passenger, 27 year-old Kyle Stilson of Limestone.  Police say they found several other large baggies with a substance similar to what was in Stilson's possession.  It later tested to be mannitol... which is commonly used to mix with narcotics.  They also searched Green... and, found money individually wrapped in rubber bands.  While taking them to the city jail... police say Green removed a large amount of Fentanyl from a concealed location on his body.  He then ripped the bag open and tried to destroy the narcotics.  Police say he was in possession of nearly 11-grams of Fentanyl.  Green is charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, tampering with physical evidence.  Stilson is charged with two counts of second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia.  Both were jailed pending arraignment.

Whitaker says student with BB Gun at JHS had no apparent malicious intent...
There was apparently no malicious intent... but, a Jamestown High School student faces "significant disciplinary and legal consequences" after allegedly bringing a BB gun in their backpack to school.  School Superintendent Kevin Whitaker said school officials responded to a report about the student.  Dr. Whitaker told us Thursday that another student alerted school officials about it.  After the alert was issued... Whitaker says the JHS School Resource Officer took possession of the BB gun from the student without incident.  He says... while they still don't know exactly why the student brought the gun to school... they have ruled out any kind of "ill intent."  In light of current events, though... Whitaker says the district will be looking at possibly using a weapons detection system being tested at home sports events at JHS during the school day as well.

Homeless man from Jamestown faces more charges regarding high-speed chase; not paying restaurant bill...
More charges have been filed against the Jamestown man who led police on a high-speed pursuit that went into Falconer and the town of Poland Wednesday afternoon.  Ellicott Town Police say they were notified that city police were attempting to stop the speeding car... driven by 36 year-old Chad Walters... which was also reported stolen.  Officers say Walters was eastbound on East Second Street, heading into Falconer shortly after 3 p.m., when Ellicott officers tried to stop him.  However... Walters failed to comply... and, they followed him but lost sight of the vehicle as they entered Poland.  Ellicott police were then notified that the car had gone over a bank, and struck a tree.  Walters then ran... and, tried to hide in a nearby garage before a JPD K-9 found him.  He was turned over to city police... but, he was later charged in Ellicott with speeding... passing a solid red light... passing on the right... illegal driving in the center lane... second-degree reckless endangerment... and third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle.  
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Walters also faces charges for an incident that occured earlier on Monday before his was arrested for breaking into the J-1 Auto Shop in Jamestown.  Ellicott police say he allegedly left a restaurant in the town without paying for services rendered.  Officers also later found him in possession of a baggie containing a substance believed to be methamphetamine. 

Walters arrested for stealing car, then leading JPD officers on that chase...
The homeless man arrested this past Monday for breaking into an eastside auto repair shop has been arrested again for stealing a car Wednesday afternoon... and leading police on a high speed chase.  City police say they were initially called to the 7-Eleven Store on East Second Street about 2:15 p.m. on a report of a stolen car.  About an hour later... officers say they were told that the vehicle had returned to the store, and was parked in the parking lot.  Officers say when they approached the car... the driver, 36 year-old Chad Walters... fled through the parking lot and down a small embankment and onto East Second.  Walters then fled at a high rate of speed... but, police terminated the chase a short time later.  However... the car was involved in that one-car crash in the town of Poland, and, Walters ran off.  He was arrested by JPD for third-degree grand larceny... unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle.. and, reckless driving.

Jamestown man arrested for baseball bat assault...
A city man has been arrested for allegeldy assaulting two people with a baseball bat... and, biting one victim several times during a fight on Jamestown's southside early Wednesday morning.  City police were called to the location about 12:30 a.m., and, located 33 year-old Jeffery Smith on a porch roof and refusing to come down.  Officers told him to come down... but, Smith refused.  After gathering information from multiple victims at the scene, officers determined that Smith had assaulted two people with the bat... and, bit another several times.  Smith finally came down off the roof... but, disregarded further commands given by officers and resisted arrest.  Following a brief struggle... police charged Smith with two counts of second-degree assault... one of third-degree assault... third-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, resisting arrest.  He ws jailed pending arraignment.

Person of Interest identified in 1972 Jamestown homicide...
A person of interest has been named in a five-decade old murder of a 14 year-old girl whose body was found in the backyard of a home at 14 West Ninth St. in late November of 1972.  The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office reports that Patricia Fairbanks' body was found a short distance from her family's home in late December of that year.  The death was ruled a homicide... but, police have been unable to locate the killer.  The case was reopened earlier this year... and, given to the Sheriff's Office Unsolved Cases Team for further investigation.  They now say they have identified a person of interest: 44 year-old William Swartzman... who was living in Jamestown at the time.  Swartzman died of natural causes in Warren, Pa. in 1997.  If you have any information on this case... call the Unsolved Cases Team at 716-753-4578.

Gillibrand touts report on impact of Anti-Gun Trafficking law she championed...
A new federal gun trafficking law has shown "extraordinary" results in a relatively short period of time.  That from U-S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on a new report on the legislation... which was part of the Bi-Partisan Safer Communities Act approved more than a year ago.  The New York Democrat says it's been important to the state... which has some of the strictest gun laws in the country.  However... she says it's also seen a lot of illegally trafficked guns get into the hands of criminals.  She says about 80% of the gun-connected to crime and confiscated in NYS came from out-of-state.  Gillibrand says the report found that more than 1,300 illegal guns have been seized by law enforcement and more than 200 people have been charged under the BSCA’s new gun trafficking statute. 

Comedy Center reacts to passing of acclaimed TV producer Norman Lear at age 101...
The late Norman Lear "revolutionized the television landscape, pushed societal boundaries and transformed our culture with groundbreaking comedies that addressed serious issues and offered sharp social commentary while being remarkably funny."  That from National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson... commenting on the passing of the well-know producer of the 1970s sitcom "All in the Family."  Lear... who was an early supporter of the center... died at the age of 101 Tuesday in California. 

Roldan-Pantojas sentenced for August 2022 shooting on Prendergast Ave...
The Jamestown man accused of shooting and killing another man in August of 2022 has pled guilty to a first-degree manslaughter charge in Chautauqua County Court.  District Attorney Jason Schmidt says 24 year-old Kevin Roldan-Pantojas entered the plea recently for the homicide of Jesus Bastista-Perez on Prendergast Avenue on Aug. 19 of 2022.  Schmidt says "shootouts and gun violence may seem more commonplace than ever before here in our community... but, we are doing everything in our power, with the limited resources available to us, to reverse the tide.  From the time of this shooting that afternoon... to the day that Mr. Roldan-Pantojas pled... JPD detectives, myself and my Felony Team... have worked tirelessly to ensure a conviction in this manner.  Roldan-Pantojas is scheduled to be sentenced next Jan. 12.
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Another Jamestown man has pleaded guilty to a Felony burglary charge in connection with a home invasion nearly one year ago in the city.  Schmidt says 48 year-old William Buckley entered the plea in County Court to first-degree burglary on Nov. 27.  The D-A says Buckley entered the home of the victim, an elderly person whom he had previously targeted under the guise of a home improvement job, displayed what appeared to be a firearm, restrained the victim and assaulted them before stealing the individual’s property.   Buckley was indicted last January on the burglary... and other related charges.  He'll be sentenced next Feb. 5.
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A South Dayton man has been sentenced to 2 to 6 years in state prison for violating his probation in October of last year.  Schmidt says 27 year-old Paul Davis was sentenced in County Court by Judge David Foley Tuesday.  He says Davis was convicted in April 2022 of third-degree burglary for an incident in Westfield in November of 2020.  Davis was sentenced to five-years probation on that conviction.  However... he violated the terms of his probation shortly after beginning his term... and, a warrant was issued a short time later. 

Carrubba updates City Council on clean-up of former Crawford Furniture Mfg plant...
The clean-up of the former Crawford Furniture Factory site on Allen Street is well-underway... and, Jamestown city officials hope to see it completed by late Spring or early next Summer.  That from City Council Housing Committee Chairwoman Marie Carrubba... who says the committee got an update on the effort Monday night by City Development Director Crystal Surdyk.  Carrubba says the Environmental Protection Agency is on site now.  She says the debris has to be wetted down before it can be taken to the county landfill for disposal.  In fact... Carrubba says the city will only have to pay the costs of work done before the EPA's $5-million clean-up began.  She says the site is also eligible for New York State Brownfield programs... so it should be "shovel-ready" for a new development.  The largely vacant factory was destroyed by a huge fire in November of 2022.  U-S Senator Charles Schumer was on hand this past January to announce the EPA would be moving ahead with final clean-up of the site.

Investigation underway into simultaneous fires at five Dunkirk homes...
Three north county fire departments battled flames for several hours from some five buildings Tuesday morning in the city of Dunkirk.  The fire in the 500 block of Columbus Avenue was first reported just before 7 a.m.  Dunkirk Fire Chief Mike Edwards says crews from his department, along with East Dunkirk and Fredonia, responded to the scene and found two houses that were heavily-involved in flames.  Edwards says the house at 535 Columbus was vacant... while there were 10 people living at the one at 533 Columbus.  He says they also got out safely.  Edwards says the city ordered that both houses be demolished.  He says that 535 Columbus Ave. was "completely destroyed" by the fire, while 533 Columbus sustained heavy fire damage.  Meanwhile, three other nearby structures sustained moderate heat damage to their exteriors.  The local Red Cross is assisting those affected.  No injuries were reported.  City and county fire investigators are looking into the cause.

Homeless man arrested for allegedly breaking into Jamestown auto shop...
A homeless man has been arrested by Jamestown police for allegedly breaking into an auto repair shop on Winsor Street in Jamestown late Monday night.  Officers say they responded to J-1 Auto -- near Brooklyn Square -- shortly after 11:30 p.m. for a burglar alarm.  When they arrived... police allegedly found a broken window and a man inside the business.  Police say 36 year-old Chad Walters ignored commands to come out of the building... so they requested a key holder come to the scene.  Once inside... officers arrested Walters without incident and he was taken to the city jail on charges of third-degree burglary, third-degree criminal mischief... and, possession of burglar's tools.  He was jailed pending arraignment.

Durniok named new permanent president at UPMC Hamot...
The search is on for a new president at UPMC Chautauqua Hospital with the decision to make Brian Durniok the permanent president of UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pennsylvania.  In a printed release... UPMC officials said Durniok has been interim president at the Erie location the past several months.  Durniok was first appointed president at UPMC Chautauqua in January of 2019... and oversaw more than $54-million worth of upgrades there.  He will serve as interim president at the Jamestown hospital until a new president is named.
 

City man to spend up to 7 years in prison for Big Lots robbery...
A Jamestown man will spend 3-and-1/2 to 7 years in state prison for third-degree robbery for threatening a store employee with a knife after stealing items from the Brooklyn Square business.  Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt says 38 year-old Jorge Garay received the sentence from County Court Judge David Foley Monday morning after pleading guilty to the lesser charge this past June 2nd.  Schmidt says... in June of 2022... Garay was arrested by Jamestown police for first-degree robbery... and other charges... after stealing merchandise from the Big Lots store on Harrison Street.  When a Big Lots' employee tried to get the property back from the him... Garay pulled out a knife and threated the employee.  He pled guilty to the third-degree charge...  and, was sentenced as a second felony offender... who was also on State Parole at the time of this incident.  Schmidt thanked city police for their work on the case.

Gillibrand says work continuing on aid package to Israel, Ukraine and southern border...
Bi-partisan negotiators in Congress are working on a new aid package to help Ukraine and Israel... and, improve security at the Southern border before the end of the year.  That from New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand... who recently updated reporters on the status of those talks... which she says have mainly been done behind the scenes.  The New York Democrat says there are four areas that would receive funding in the bill, in addition Israel and Ukraine.  The other two are the southern border, and humanitarian aid.  Gillibrand says the working group is looking at both increasing security at the border... as well as better defining who is eligible for asylum.  She says that includes more resources, and policy changes.  Gillibrand says "we need reform to fix the law today."  Monday afternoon... the Biden administration sent Congress an urgent warning about the need to approve tens of billions of dollars in military and economic assistance to Ukraine, saying Kyiv's war effort to defend itself from Russia's invasion may grind to a halt without it.  Earlier this Fall... the administration proposed a $106-billion aid package for those four areas mentioned by Gillibrand.

Celoron woman arrested for threatening another person with a fork...    
A woman from Celoron has been arrested for allegedly chasing another person with a fork during a domestic incident in the village in early November.  Ellicott Town Police say they were called to a West Chadakoin Street address about 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 on a complaint.  When they arrived... the female victim told police that 25 year-old Elizabeth Houser menaced her with the fork during an argument.  Officers arrested Houser for second-degree menacing, and she was taken to the County Jail pending centralized arraignment.

Two Jamestown women arrested following domestic...
Two city women have been arrested for allegedly violating orders of protection they had against each other last weekend.  Jamestown police say officers responded to a southside address shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday for a domestic dispute.  Police say they found 29 year-old Kerri Finch-Tidd... and, 52 year-old Barbara Baker on scene... and, found they both had the orders against each other.  Both were taken into custody... and, taken to the city jail without incident.  Finch-Tidd is charged with Felony first-degree criminal contempt... while Baker is charged with second-degree criminal contempt.

Reaction to Holiday Parade in Jamestown largely positive; one safety concern is expressed...
There was no snow... and it was in the mid-40s... but, the annual Jamestown Christmas and Holiday Parade last Saturday night was a big success.  Those are the feelings of city officials who praised organizers... participants and spectators Monday night for a large, fun and largely safe event.  Resident Gary Mooney spoke to that during the City Council work session's public comment period.  There was one safety issue raised by Council Public Safety Committee Chairman Brent Sheldon... who says that was due to some cars that were still parked on part of West Third Street near where the parade started.  He says some children ran between the cars to retrive candy thrown by people in the parade.  Sheldon says parking meters were not bagged in that area... nor was there signage saying they weren't allowed there.  He says At-large Councilman Jeff Russell will coordinate getting city officials and parade organizers to meet and discuss the matter.
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Councilwoman Marie Carrubba also thanked Parks and Public Works crews for working to clean up all the candy left on Third Street early Sunday morning. 

Gas prices fall a nickel in Jamestown-area over the past week...
The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline in the Jamestown-area has fallen by about a nickel the past week.  That from the AAA East Central's Gas Price report this week... which says the price at the start of last week was just under $3.80 a gallon.  However... it starts this week at just under $3.75.  Nationally... AAA says despite dropping demand... the average price fell only a penny a gallon since last week.  The national average is now $3.24... which is 18-cents less than a month ago.  The Energy Information Administration reports that gasoline demand decreased from 8.48-million to 8.21-million barrels a day last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased by 1.8-million barrels to 218.2 million barrels.

Sundquist signs 2024 budget, but, voices concern over cuts to pay increases for some department heads...
The city of Jamestown's 2024 budget is now in place after Mayor Eddie Sundquist signed the measure late last week.  However... Sundquist says he still has at least one concern about the $40.15-million spending plan... which was approved by the City Council.  At this point, though, he says none of the changes were major... so he signed the package.  He says if the city continues keeping salaries for those departments heads kept low, it will be harder and harder to fill those positions.  The budget includes a slight tax levy increase... but, no increase in the tax rate of $23.69 per $1,000 full value.  Lawmakers have said that any further changes would have to be made by a week from today... Mon., Dec. 11.  The budget was due by Dec. 1 so that tax bills can be sent out at the beginning of January.  

Pair from Mayville arrested on drug charges following traffic stop...
Two Mayville residents arrested earlier this year for allegedly dealing drugs there have been arrested again for drug possession following a traffic stop in Jamestown.  City police say a patrol stopped a car entering the city on Fluvanna Avenue at North Main Street shortly before 8 p.m. last Friday... after spotting 34 year-old James Mawhir in the passenger seat.  A background check found that Mawhir was wanted on a Felony warrant... and, made contact with him and the driver, 47 year-old Jenell Long.  During a vehicle search... officers found a quantity of methamphetamine in Mawhir's possession... and, in his property inside the vehicle.  Officers say they continued to search the car... and, found a digital scale and packaging material commonly used for controlled substances.  Police also located a container of fentanyl and buprenorphine/naloxone.  Both Mawhir and Long were taken to the city jail pending arraignment.  Mawhir faces two counts of second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia... and, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Long is charged with two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Jamestown women arrested after domestic because they had orders of protection against each other...
Two city women have been arrested for allegedly violating orders of protection they had against each other last weekend.  Jamestown police say officers responded to s southside address shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday for a domestic dispute.  Police say they found 29 year-old Kerri Finch-Tidd... and, 52 year-old Barbara Baker on scene... and, found they both had the orders against each other.  Both were taken into custody... and, taken to the city jail without incident.  Finch-Tidd is charged with Felony first-degree criminal contempt... while Baker is charged with second-degree criminal contempt.

Jamestown's annual Holiday Parade kick's off Christmas Season downtown...
On Third Street in downtown Jamestown last Saturday night... the Jamestown High School Marching Band was one of approximately 150 units that were part of the annual downtown Christmas Parade.  It's put on by the city with Collaborative Children's Solutions.  Mayor Eddie Sundquist was on hand to help light the city's 40-foot tall Christmas tree at Tracy Plaza... on a mild and rainy night.  He says it's great to see large numbers of people on a busy Saturday come out.  The LaMancuso family helped to light the tree.  Sundquist says the day kicked-off with events on Tracy Plaza... and, elsewhere in the downtown area.  There was also a viewing of the movie "The Santa Clause" at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts Saturday afternoon.  Following the parade... there was a fireworks display 

Blue Star Mothers Packing Day on Saturday receives overwhelming support...
More than 400 people lined up at the Fluvanna Community Church Family Center on Saturday to pack ‘Christmas Care Packages’ for the Blue Star Mothers.  It’s the 15th year of the program, and Blue Star Mother NY4 Vice-President, Kathy Collver, calls the response ‘humbling.'  She says they are always "amazed" about the response every year.  Collver says she expects at least 900 care packages will be mailed out early in the week to service people all around the world.  She says each box is filled with non-perishable food items, personal care products and fun things, too -- that our troops overseas will enjoy.  Cash donations will fund the $25,000 in postage needed to mail the boxes.  Collver expressed her thanks to Jamestown Container for the boxes, and the help of JRSC Digital in preparing them for mailing.

Borrello pleased to see extension approved for Seneca Gaming Agreement; but, adds new agreement is still needed...
The new agreement on an extension of the Seneca Nation Gaming Compact with New York state is "welcome news" for people who have been urging Governor Kathy Hochul to act on one.  One is State Senator George Borrello... who says the Nation is a "valued neighbor in Western New York, and their gaming facilities and resorts are a major economic driver."  The current agreement was to expire by next Saturday, December 9th.  Borrello says the agreement "relieves a measure of uncertainty that has increasingly clouded this issue as the expiration date approached."  At the same time... he urges the Hochul administration to use the extension productively rather than as an excuse to "kick the can down the road."  He says Hochul and her team need to come to the table with a commitment to engaging in good faith negotiations on an agreement that is fair to all parties.

O'Connor being remembered as first woman SCOTUS Justice, visitor to Jamestown and Chautauqua County...
Retired U-S Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was a trailblazer as the first woman justice on the high court.  However... she also had a love for Chautauqua County and the Jamestown-area.  O'Connor often talked of her admiration of late Justice and Jamestown-area native Robert H. Jackson.  O'Connor was here in the late 1990s for the dedication of the Jackson Statue near Love Elementary School... then the dedication of the new Jackson Center at the former Scottish Rite Consistory on East Fourth Street in 2007.  She said she was "delighted" to be on hand... and, joked that the auditorium where they were was the former livery stable... leading her to quip "I didn't know horses lived so well.  It's great!."  O’Connor died in today in her hometown of Phoenix, Arizona at age 93 of complications related to advanced dementia and a respiratory illness.  O'Connor spoke highly of Jackson's ability to write, and pen opinions on the court.  She also appeared at least twice at Chautauqua Institution to speak during the season.  She was also a frequent visitor to the institution in later years.

Investigation continues into fatal crash involving two Tractor-Trailers near Silver Creek...
One person is dead as the result of a crash involving two tractor-trailers late Wednesday night on Interstate 90 near Silver Creek.  A spokesperson for State Police Troop T confirmed the fatality late Thursday morning. Troopers say the incident involved one tractor-trailer sideswiping a parked tractor-trailer at Exit 58 at about 10:45 p.m.  The collision caused the moving big rig to jack-knife and rollover multiple times before bursting into flames.  Chautauqua County dispatchers say firefighters from Irving, Silver Creek, Hanover Center and the Seneca Nation responded to the scene.  The incident caused the eastbound lanes of I-90 to shut down at Exit 58 for several hours, with the road reopening at about 10:30 a.m. 

City man arrested on warrants that include nine counts of felony reckless endangerment...
A Jamestown man wanted on several charges... including nine counts of first-degree reckless endangerment... has been arrested following a street check early Thursday morning.  City police say a patrol in the area of the 7-Eleven store on North Main Street saw 32 year-old Juan Tufino inside the store, and a background check revealed the warrants... which also included one count of criminal possession of a weapon.  Officers told Tufino to put his hands behind his back... but, he did not comply with officers.  After a brief struggle, police took Tufino into custody.  He was also found in possesion of a quantity of crack cocaine.  He was taken to the city jail on charges of resisting arrest... and, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, the arrest warrants.

Gillibrand reintroducing federal Robocall legislation...
New York's junior U-S Senator has announced her push to get legislation approved that would crack down on robocalls, robotexts and AI scams.  Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand Thursday said Americans receive about 4-billion robocalls every month... many of them from scammers.  With that... she is reintroducing the "Deter Obnoxious, Nefarious, and Outrageious Telephone Calls..." or Do NOT Call Act to establish new criminal penalties for robocallers, including prison time.  Gillibrand is also calling on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and track potentially devastating AI-powered scams.  She adds that scammers should not be allowed unfettered access to New Yorkers at all times of day and night.  She says -- "I am reintroducing the DO NOT Call Act to finally crack down on robocalls and robotexts and impose stricter penalties for scammers - including up to 3 years in prison."  In addition... Gillibrand is also calling on the FTC to track the increasing use of artificial intelligence -- or AI -- to perpetrate frauds and scams in its Consumer Sentinel Network, a database to track scams that can be shared with local, state, and federal law enforcement.

Whitaker highlights upcoming public hearing for Phase-Two, $126-million capital project next Tuesday...
A public hearing will be held next Tuesday night at the Jamestown Public School's administration building on the district's Phase-Two, $126-million capital improvement project.  That from School Superintendent Kevin Whitaker... who says the hearing will now begin at 5:30 p.m., shortly before the 6 p.m. school board meeting.  Dr. Whitaker also reminds district residents that the vote will be held from Noon to 9 p.m. at the Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln schools on Tues., Dec. 12.  He says it's part of a three-phase capital project that's part of a 10-year project to make sure their facilities are updated for future education.  The $86-million first-phase... which deals a lot with upgrades to Jamestown High School... has already been underway. 

Borrello urges Hochul to "refrain" from issuing Isolation and Quarantine Rule...
State Senator George Borrello has written a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul... requesting that her administration refrain from re-issuing the rule regarding "Isolation and Quarantine Procedures."  In a printed statement... Borrello says his request is being made in the wake of the state Appellate Division’s dismissal of a lower court ruling in favor of the plaintiffs in Borrello's case against Hochul, which included three other plaintiffs.  The Sunset Bay Republican cited the constitutional concerns surrounding the rule that were referenced by State Supreme Court Judge Ronald Ploetz in his original ruling on the case.