SWCS Superintendent says Tuesday's opening day went smoothly...
It's been a smooth start for another public school district in Chautauqua County that was among another hand-ful that opened for the 2015-16 school year. The Southwestern Central Schools opened with a full day for all grade levels. Superintendent Maureen Donahue says her second opening at Southwestern went great with no delays or other problems. However... she cautions parents and other motorists about road work taking place on Southwestern Drive this week. The old surface is being milled... and, the road between Fairmount Avenue and Hunt Road will be paved during the day Thursday.
Horrigan says final framework for 2016 budget will soon be in place...
Chautauqua County's top-elected official says he's very close to having a "final framework" in place for the 2016 budget... which is to be presented to the legislature later this month. County Executive Vince Horrigan he and his finance and budget team are looking at capital spending and fund balance in the new spending plan... which will total just over $230-million. Horrigan says he's "committed to the lowest possible property taxes." He says the county will see that because it's needed to attract new business, homeowners and second-homeowners. The county is still waiting for Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign a half-a-percent sales tax increase. In return... the county has agreed to a $2-million, 3-percent property tax cut in the 2016 budget. Horrigan says they're also looking at better efficiency in county services... and, looking at more possible privatization of some services. He says they've already begun doing that with Health and Human Services. The deadline for the budget to be presented is Sept. 25. Horrigan made his comments for last weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the five Media One Group stations.
Jamestown man arrested for allegedly taking merchandise from Washington Street Supermarket...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for robbery after allegedly stealing items from the Tops Market on Washington Street... and, then fighting with store personnel. City police were called to the scene at 2000 Washington about 3 p.m. Saturday on a report of a shoplifter fighting with staff. On arrival... officers allegedly saw 27 year-old Andrew Kiendl still fighting with staff and store security in the front entryway. Police took Kiendl into custody... and, charged him with third-degree robbery... petty larceny... and, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned... and, sent to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail.
Sheriff's Officers in Cattaraugus County urging Little Valley residents to keep their cars locked after multiple thefts from cars...
The Cattaraugus County Sheriff's office is urging residents in Little Valley to keep vehicle doors locked during the overnight hours after a rash of break-ins were reported. Sheriff's deputies say they're investigating a number of thefts from unlocked cars throught the village. Officers say they've have recovered some of the stolen items... and, are interviewing boys... and, young adults who are believed to be responsible for the thefts. If you suspect your vehicle has been entered and items were taken please... call Deputy Daniel Irish on the dayshift at 938-9191.
"Kolors for Kallie 5K Run/Walk" calls awareness to pediatric Cancer...
It may have been a holiday... but, hundreds of people turned out on Labor Day for the 3rd annual "Kolors for Kallie 5-K Run/Walk" in Lakewood. There was also a Motorcycle rally to benefit 'Kallie's Krusade' with more than 100 riders taking part... starting at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. "Kallie's Krusade" is named for the late Kallie Swan... who passed away earlier this year from a form of childhood leukemia. Her mother, Tara, was one of the people in charge of yesterday's event... and, says a lot of people were on hand for the 5-K Fun Run and Walk. She says they had 130 runners pre-registered, but, adds they ran out of shirts for people. She says they were likely well over 200 participants for that. Swan thanked the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club for hosting the event this year. This was the first year they were able to hold the event during September... which is "National Pediatric Cancer Awareness" Month. Tara Swan says... in preparing for this year's event... they came to realize there are many more families dealing with childhood cancer. Patricipants in the 5-K Run/Walk were doused with "powdered" paint so they wore different colors for the event. For more information on the "Kallie's Krusade Foundation..." go to their website at KalliesKrusade.org. They also have Facebook page... and Twitter Account.
County's annual "Ag Discovery Tour" set for this Saturday in Frewsburg...
Farmers and members of the general public are invited to take the first ever 'Ag Discovery Tour' this coming Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jone's Family Farm. Cornell Cooperative Extension's Kately Walley-Stoll says it's located at 287 Robbin Hill Road. Stoll says J-High Acres is a working dairy farm with around 300 cows. What's unique about the 'Ag Discovery Tour' is that agri-business sponsors will be there along with members of the Jones family. The event is free to the public. To get to J-High Acres Farm... take Frew Run Road out of Frewsburg, and follow the signs for the Martz Observatory. The farm is located at a picturesque location, one of the highest spots in Chautauqua County.
