City mother free on bail following arrest on drug possession charges...
A Jamestown woman is free on bail after being arrested for allegedly selling illegal narcotic prescriptions from her apartment... with her infant daughter present. City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force... along with members of the state Police C-NET Team... raided the lower apartment at 15 Stowe St. shortly before 6 a.m. Friday. Samuelson says they found 19 year-old Victoria Rosier, and, her 10-month old child inside. He adds they also found a quantity of Morphine pills, methodone, and marijuana. Rosier was arraigned on charges of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... endangering the welfare of a child... and, unlawful possession of marijuana. She posted $10,000 bail. The child was turned over to another family member. The State Police K-9 unit also assisted in the arrest. City Police say anyone with information about illegal drug sales is asked to call the JPD anonymous tips-line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.
Judge rules New York Teacher Tenure lawsuit can move ahead...
A New York judge says a lawsuit that aims to revise New York's teacher tenure rules can proceed. In a decision late Friday... state Supreme Court Justice Philip Minardo denied a motion to dismiss the suit. The plaintiffs argue that teacher tenure and layoffs by seniority deprive students of the sound, basic education they are guaranteed under the state constitution. The ruling allows for the case to be heard in a state appellate court. An attorney for the United Federation of Teachers says the ruling is not the final decision in the case and that the case remains on hold until the appellate court rules. The Partnership for Educational Justice says the judge's decision means parents will have their day in court. Plaintiff Mona Davids says she's thinks change is coming and teachers and their union will be held accountable.
Horrigan says he's "okay" with budget changes made by Audt and Control Committee...
Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan is taking a "wait and see" attitude with regards to changes proposed by a legislature committee for the 2016 budget plan. The Audit and Control Committee Thursday completed it's work on the $256-million spending plan... and, approved about one-million dollars in additional tax cuts to the budget. However... the vote was not unanimous because two lawmakers wanted further reductions. But... at this point... Horrigan says he's okay with what's been cut. He adds we'll see what happens at the full legislature meeting this coming Wednesday night. The amended budget was approved in a 3-to-2 vote Thursday... with Audit and Control Committee Chairman John Runkle... and, Chuck Nazzaro voting no. They want to see the budget come in with a 5.1-percent tax levy reduction. Currently... as amended... Runkle says the reduction is 4.3-percent. The tax rate cut was 4.6-percent... but is now 5.9-percent.
Tharaeparambil admits he's an underdog, but, continues pursuing write-in campaign for Jamestown Mayor...
There is second candidate for mayor in the city of Jamestown... but, he won't be appearing on the ballot on Nov. 3. Former businessman and Jamestown Community College professor David George Tharaeparambil has decided to run a write-in campaign against incumbant Democrat Sam Teresi. Tharaeparambil retired from JCC many years ago... and, he opened up three businesses in the downtown area. However... he says lack of retail traffic hurt them... and, he wants to bring that back. He had a real estate agency, an import store, and a laudromat. But... he says he closed them because "downtown started dying." However... Tharaeparambil says the final straw for him was Mayor Sam Teresi explaining why the mayor's post deserved a higher salary. Back to the need to revive the downtown... he says he would like to pursuit grants to help develope specialized retail shops and food stores. He says it's worked in starting to revitalize downtown Detroit, Mich. Tharaeparambil says buildings were sold for a-dollar each. He adds that he would also like to see Second, Third and Fourth Streets blocked off to traffic downtown to allow people a "plaza like' atmosphere for shoppers. He made his comments for this weekend's "Community 'Spotlight" program.
City of Jamestown's 31st annual Halloween FunFest set for next Saturday night...
The city of Jamestown will again be offering it's safe, fun and free Citywide Halloween FunFest next Saturday night... Oct. 31st... at the Allen Park Ice Rink. Parks and Recreation Coordinator Julia Ciesla-Hanley says the FunFest runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the rink... and, is open to children 12 years of age and under. Ciesla-Hanley says people 12 and over must be accompanied by a child... and, those 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult. She adds the FunFest will again feature a Haunted House... and, two costume contests. Ciesla-Hanley adds that the 31st Halloween FunFest again offers parents and children a "well-lit... and safe alternative to trick-or-treating." She says they'll also have refreshments for the kids, and carnival games. Ciesla-Hanley adds that D-J Steve Trapani will be playing music during the evening. She says due to the Jamestown High School Band trip to states next week... they will be needing some extra volunteers this year. They usually need 20 to 25 of them. If you can help out... call Julia Ciesla-Hanley at 483-7523.
