Jamestown man arrested on domestic charges during drug raid on Vega St....
A city man is jailed following his arrest on domestic violence charges during a late morning drug raid yesterday on Jamestown's eastside. Agents with the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 44 Vega Street about 11:45 a.m., with the help of the JPD SWAT Team. Police say their search uncovered nearly 27 grams of Fentanyl... just over 38-grams of methamphetamine... scales, packaging materials, and money during the raid. Officers say they arrested 35 year-old Eric Vangiesen... who was one of two men found inside the apartment... on a warrant for Felony Aggravated Family Offense, second-degree unlawful imprisonment, second-degree reckless endangerment, and others. Charges are pending regarding the drug seizures. The Metro Drug Task Force was assisted by both the JPD and Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department K-9 units... and, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force. Anyone with information on illegal drug activity in the city is asked to call the anonymous tips line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.
Chautauqua County observes Elder Abuse Day...
There was a sharp drop in the number of reported cases of elder abuse in Chautauqua County during the pandemic, but those dealing with the issue don't believe the problem is going away. The Center for Elder Law and Justice along with the Chautauqua County Council on Elder Abuse hosted a news conference in Mayville on Thursday On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Attorney Nicole Parshall with the County Council on Elder Abuse says it's important to report elder abuse when its suspected. She says this year's theme is "reach out -- speak out..." adding if you "see something -- say something." Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt was among the speakers. He also urged people to reach out to older residents, even if they have a caregiver or provider. Chautauqua County residents should call 716-753-4447 to report elder abuse. County Executive P-J Wendel proclaimed Thursday World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Chautauqua County. Assemblyman Andy Goodell and County Legislator Lisa Vanstrom were also among the speakers.
Two new COVID-19 cases reported in Chautauqua County Thursday...
The Chautauqua County Health Department is reporting another two new confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in the county Thursday afternoon... and, no new deaths. Health officials say the total has now reached 9,287 cases... and 9,121 have now recovered. Officials say there are 9 active cases... and, two are hospitalized. The infection rate remains at 0.4%.
City observes 40th straight year as "Tree City USA..."
The city of Jamestown has been recognized for the 40th consecutive year as a "Tree City USA..." and city leaders and residents celebrated by planting some trees in Allen Park. Some youngsters got into the act with Parks Manager Dan Stone, and others in shoveling dirt around the trees so they were planted. Stone presided over the annual Arbor Day program... delayed twice... once by the pandemic, and again due to weather. He says they were planting four trees of the 10 they received funding for from the New York State Urban Forestry Council. That grant was given because Jamesotwn is a "Tree City USA." Mayor Eddie Sundquist read a proclamation... and, thanked Stone for his work to help keep up the city's Urban Forest. In praising Stone... Sundquist recalled what he said while he interviewing to be Parks Manager following John Williams' retirement. Stone said he wanted to keep taking care of the city's trees. Stone also praised city leaders... past and present... for keeping the city's Urban Forest a priority for the past 40 years.
Light turn-out so far for early voting for primaries...
Early Voting in Chautauqua County continues through this Sunday... but, so far turnout has been light. That's according to Marcia Merrins with the Chautauqua County League of Women Voters, who is also the poll site coordinator at the County Fairgrounds location in Dunkirk. From last Saturday to the end of voting Wednesday, they only had 176 voters there... which Merrins called "very disappointing." The other voting site is at the County Board of Elections Office in Mayville. Merrins says there is still time for eligible voters to cast their ballots during Early Voting. Hours today will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday they'll be open from Noon to 5. Primary Day voting will take place next Tuesday, June 22 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can get more information about Early Voting at the Board of Elections website at chqgov.com.
Wallenda performs latest tight rope walk in Buffalo...
Daredevil Nik Wallenda safely completed a high-wire walk between two five-story buildings on a Buffalo college campus. Wallenda shouted "What's up Buffalo!" Thursday afternoon as he walked across a 320-foot high wire to mark the opening of D'Youville College's Health Professions Hub. Wallenda famously walked over nearby Niagara Falls on a wire in a live televised event in 2012. Speaking over loudspeakers to a crowd below during his walk Thursday... he said Niagara Falls helped launch his career and that there will be "a piece of my heart in this area forever."
