Jamestown police investigating pair of related, targeted shooting incidents...
One person suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound in one of two, related... targeted shooting incidents in Jamestown Wednesday night. City police were intially called to the area of East Eighth and Fulton Streets about 9:40 p.m. At the scene... officers located an 18 year old male, with a non-life threatening gun shot wound, who was taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment. Police say about 30 minutes later... they were called to the Seven-11 Store on North Main Street for another shooting incident. However... officers found that no one was hurt in that incident. Through investigation it was determined that both shootings were targeted, and that both are connected. Both are under investigation and Jamestown police are asking anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact them at 483-7537 or the JPD Tips line at 716-483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.
County Legislature approves measure to allow elected officials salaries to be publicly disclosed...
County lawmakers in Mayville have approved a resolution allowing the public disclosure of the salaries of elected officials in the county. Democratic Minority Leader Robert Bankoski of Dunkirk says the concern was brought to light last month by Jamestown legislator Fred Larson... because he couldn't find it when he was checking out "Seethrough New York." Bankowski and Silver Creek legislator Tom Harmon were among the 18 lawmakers who voted in favor of the measure with one legislator absent. Harmon describes it as "another layer of transparency." Harmon and Bankowski made their comments prior to last night's meeting. There was no discussion on the floor prior to the vote.
Legislature approves $200,000 for Comedy Center promotions...
The National Comedy Center is receiving $200,000 in Chautauqua County bed tax funding to promote the Jamestown attraction. The county legislature Wednesday night approved the funding from the 3% portion of the Occupancy Tax. Ellicott Republican Lisa Vanstrom strongly supported funding the center... which has provided "world class entertainment..." that "casts a wide net" that draws a large number of tourists, and their money to the area. Some have questioned whether the Comedy Center has lived up to it's original billing of bringing more than 100,000 visitors each year. However... Jamestown Democrat Fred Larson says... even if drawing half that amount... it's worth the investment because people come here and stay in hotels, eat at local restaurants, and buy souvenirs and other items. Westfield Republican Fred Johnson says he likes the fact the center will be able to use the money to leverage another $500,000 more in funding from New York state.
Dunkirk city unions blast mayor; cast "no confidence" votes against Wdowiasz and the adminisration...
Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz and her administration are under fire for the city's relations with local unions... and that criticism was further amplified during this week's Common Council meeting. Among the unions who turned out were those representing the police and fire departments, who have unanimously issued a vote of "no confidence" in the city's leadership. Jake Stern, who represents Dunkirk Professional Firefighters Local 616, says his union's vote follows what he says is a "long and troubling pattern of leadership failures that have undermined public safety, increased financial risk to taxpayers, and diminished confidence in the administration." Stern says the actions "undermine fair labor practices." He also noted that nine firefighters in the city -- including former Chief Mike Edwards -- have either resigned or chosen "abrupt retirement" since Wdowiasz took office in January 2024, adding that the department is struggling to fill positions. John Arns, President of the Dunkirk Police Benevolent Association, says the city is currently facing 14 charges before the New York State Public Employment Relations Board... and has missed eight deadlines to respond. Both unions also urged the Common Council to issue its own vote of no confidence.
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Later in the meeting, Councilman at Large Nick Weiser's message to those who attended and spoke was, "We hear you." Mayor Wdowiasz was not in attendance.
Man and woman arrested for allegedly trespassing inside condemned home in Jamestown...
Two people have been arrested for trespassing after they were allegedly found sleeping on the floor of a condemned home on Jamestown's northside. City police were called to the location shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday on a trespass complaint. On arrival... officers found both 38 year-old Kenneth Lamb III... and, 25 year-old Taylor Lane... both of Jamestown... sleeping on the floor of the vacant home. Both were taken into custody without incident... and, charged with third-degree criminal trespass. They were held pending arraignment.
City woman arrested for allegedly harassing county worker in town of Ellicott...
A woman from Jamestown has been arrested for allegedly harassing a person from a Chautauqua County agency doing their job in the town of Ellicott. Town police say they were called to a "physical altercation" back on Monday, April 13 to investigate. Officers say they determined that 45 year-old Tina Larsen had made physical contact" with the worker... and, that the worker needed police assistance. Larsen was arrested for second-degree harassment... and, was issued an appearance ticket for Ellicott Town Court at a later date.
