Major donor comes forward to help Celoron pay for new Lucy Statue in Lucille Ball Memorial Park...
A major donation from a New England businessman -- who's also a big "I Love Lucy" fan -- has moved the village of Celoron closer to being able to replace the "Scary Lucy" statue in Lucille Ball Memorial Park. Celoron Mayor Scott Schrecengost has announced that Norwood, Mass's Ernie Boch, Jr. has contributed $20,000 to the effort. In a printed release... Boch says "Lucille Ball was so talented and Iconic that I'm delighted to give the village of Celoron... the best statue they deserve." Boch is President and Chief Executive Officer of Subaru of New England. Schrecengost says the village is "very grateful" to Boch for his generous donation. He adds they are now forming a committee to review the many resumes of sculptors they have received to decide who will create the new one. The village board voted earlier this month to retain ownership of the current statue... but, allow the new, National Comedy Center to have possession of it for display in the center. However... that was contingent on a replacement statue being put in place. Schrecengost says their campaign for donations is continuing at Kickstarter.com... and, you can call the village offices at 487-4175.
Jamestown and Busti Memorial Day parades and observances tout attitude of sacrifice...
It was a sunny, almost Summer-like day for Memorial Day 2015 across Chautauqua County Monday. There were several parades... featuring marching bands. The Southwestern Middle School Band joined the High School Band to perform in the annual Busti Memorial Day Parade and Service. The Reverend Roy Ferguson of the Busti Church of God was Keynote Speaker for the Busti Memorial Day service... who talked about the attitude of sacrifice sevice men and women make. The Memorial Day speaker at Soldier's Circle at Lake View Cemetery in Jamestown Monday was County Legislator Lisa Vanstrom. The West Ellicott lawmaker says she drew inspiriation from the ancient Greek statesman Pericles, concerning the sacrifice military people make.
Kolb urges addressing ethics reform before end of current State Legislative session...
The leader of the New York state Assembly's Republican minority says legislators must pass ethics reforms before adjourning next month. Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb says that recent corruption scandals have disrupted legislative work and damaged the public's trust in government. Kolb wants lawmakers to OK a Constitutional Amendment that, if passed by the voters, would strip pensions from convicted public officials. Kolb also wants to see eight-year term limits for legislative leadership positions. Two top lawmakers have been arrested this year on corruption charges. Former Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is accused of taking nearly $4 million in bribes and payoffs. Ex-Republican Senate Leader Dean Skelos is charged with extorting payments to his son from two businesses. Both men say they are innocent.
Two arrested for allegedly Domestic Assault in Jamestown...
Two Jamestown residents are accused in a vicious attack on a woman on the city's southside last weekend. City police were called to the scene at 195 Baker St. about 10:30 p.m. Saturday on a report of a domestic dispute. They're investigation revealed that 23 year-old Nichodemius Tuttle and 24 year-old Kristie Zavala allegedly began punching and kicking the unidentified female until she fell unconscious. Police say Tuttle and Zavala then allegedly fled the scene... but, quickly found them. Both were arrested for third-degree assault... and, Tuttle was additionally charged with Felony criminal contempt because the victim had an order of protection again him. He was also charged with Felony Aggravated Offense due to a prior conviction. Both were arraigned, and jailed pending further court action. The victim was not seriously hurt.
Samuelson puts out JPD plea for help in catching new Serial Arsonist...
Jamestown police are looking for another possible serial arsonist in the city... and, officials are asking for the public's help in building the case against the possible suspect. City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says they has a "person of interest" in this past week's arson at 420 Falconer St. Samuelson says the house had been condemned, and was slated for demolition. He says they are investigating the "pattern" of where and when these fires have occured. Samuelson says they aren't releasing the "Person of Interest's" name. Samuelson says city police and fire investigators have been looking into 15 arsons since the beginning of 2014... and, five so far this year. Anyone with information on any of these fires is asked to call the JPD confidential tip line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.
