A woman in her 70s is the latest confirmed case of the COVID-19 virus in Chautauqua County... and, is one of 18 active cases locally. Interim County Executive P-J Wendel says there are now 245 confirmed cases... and 218 have recovered. In addition... Wendel says one person is hospitalized... and, 144 cases are under quarantine or isolation orders. He adds 1,058 persons are under "domestic traveler quarantine" after traveling here from a state on New York's travel advisory list. There have also been 24,306 negative test results so far.
A city woman faces charges after she allegedly became enraged, and knocked over a store display when she was told she had to wear a mask inside the 7-Eleven on North Main Street. Jamestown police were called to the store at 518 North Main Street about 10:30 AM Wednesday on a report of a woman being told she could not buy items there because of the store's COVID-19 policy requiring face coverings. Officers say 27 year-old Jessica McAdoo (Mac-Ah-doo) "became enraged, and yelled for the clerk to "'fight her.'" After knocking over the display... McAdoo fled... but, was later arrested for third-degree criminal trespass and criminal mischief. She's being held pending arraignment.
A teenager from Cherry Creek faces several charges following a domestic incident involving a shotgun and a sledgehammer last Sunday night into Monday morning. State Police in Jamestown say what started as an argument quickly became physical about 9 PM Sunday.... and, Troopers say 19 year-old Joseph Chadwick began threatening his father and brother with an unloaded shotgun. Chadwick fled the scene twice before a search ensued, but the teen couldn't be found. Troopers say Chadwick then returned about 1AM Monday... and, he began hitting his father's vehicle with a sledgehammer... and, smashed out all the windows. He then entered the home and another fight began before he tried to break into a safe to get a firearm, but, he was unsuccessful so he took the safe from the home. When Police arrived later, they found the safe and all it's contents. Troopers later contacted Chadwick... and, he turned himself in early Tuesday morning.
The third and fourth-floors of The Resource Center's Allied Industries on Jones and Gifford Avenue are closed through the end of the week after a case of COVID-19 was reported. Center Spokesman Steve Waterson says the employee... who was not identified... began having COVID symptoms after returning home last Tuesday... and was later tested. Waterson say the positive test was returned on Sunday... and, the decision was made to close the upper floors of the Michael J. Raymond Center at 75 Jones and Gifford, where Allied Industries is located, out of an "abundance of caution." No other cases have been reported. Waterson says a crew is busy "deep clearning" those areas... and, they expect to reopen next Monday.
Local Congressman Tom Reed says he believes there will be an agreement reached on a fourth, COVID-19 Stimulus bill by the end of the week... and, that votes can be taken early next week. The Corning Republican was in Washington, DC Monday night through Tuesday... and, talked with Congressional leaders about the status of talks. Reed says it appears that aid to local governments -- including counties -- will be included in the final package.
Reed says he's pleased to see both Senate Republicans, and House Democrats -- along with White House negotiators -- agreeing to some concessions in a new bill. One of the most contentious items has been whether to continue the "expanded unemployment" benefit of 600-dollars a week. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has backed off on that. Reed says there are now discussions about a "two-month transition" to get to a percentage -- possibly 70-percent of wages lost -- until the person returns to the workforce. Reed made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier media.
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is blasting Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for "dragging his heels" on negotiating a new COVID-19 stimulus bill. Gillibrand says.. while the House passed the HEROS Act more than two months ago... McConnell let the clock run out on benefits that are keeping families and the economy afloat. Gillibrand says he failed to present any comprehension legislation until earlier this week... but, she says some parts of a final bill are coming together.
Gillibrand adds that local governments are also hurting... and, she and New York's Senior U-S Senator, Chuck Schumer, have proposed the "Direct Support to Communities" Act... which would not be part of the money that would be sent directly to states like New York. Local Congressman Tom Reed also supports direct payment to local governments with populations up to half-a-million people. Gillibrand is also calling on extending a nationwide moratorium on evictions. She made her comments during a Zoom Press Conference with New York media.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is poised to lead the group representing the nation's governors, which has played a pivotal role in pushing the Trump administration about state needs during the coronavirus pandemic. As head of the bipartisan National Governors Association... Cuomo will have to walk a fine line between his naturally combative style, and a more deferential approach to the White House favored by Republicans. As perhaps the nation's most recognizable governor, Cuomo's elevated profile could help the governors association become more influential as it lobbies for increased aid for the states.
A Dunkirk woman was pulled over for speeding... and, later arrested for allegedly driving drunk with a child in the car early this morning. Sheriff's Deputies say they conducted a traffic stop in the Village of Silver Creek at midnight and identified the driver as 47 year-old Lisa Faison. Officers say an eight year old child was also in the vehicle. Faison was charged with DWI, Felony DWI Leandra's Law, Unlicensed Operator, Failure to Stop at Stop Sign, Speed in Zone, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
A teenager was arrested for allegedly threatening a juvenile with a weapon late last month in the Village of Falconer. Ellicott Town Police say the incident occurred shortly before 5 AM on July 22nd... and, the investigation revealed 18 year-old Dakota Martin threatened the unidentified victim with a long gun in the presence of another juvenile. Martin was taken into custody on two-counts of endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree menacing. He is to appear in Ellicott Town Court at a later date.
