Two people found dead in burned-out home in Fluvanna...
State Police are investigating what they are reporting as a double-fatal house fire discovered late Monday afternoon in the town of Ellery. Troopers in Jamestown say Fluvanna firefighters were called to the scene on Greenhurst Drive about 5 p.m. Police say the blaze apparently occured sometime between the previous night... and, early Monday morning. Troopers say two people were found dead inside the residence. They've been identified as 69 year-old Geraldine Dahlin... and, 77 year-old Nevon Tarbell. State Police say the two victims were taken to the Erie County Medical Examiners Office for autopsies. Investigators say the preliminary cause has been detemined to be accidental, and cigarette-related.
Birritieri wins Lakewood Mayor's race over Wordelmann...
There will be a new mayor in Lakewood come next year... and, for the first time... a woman will be the village's top-elected official. Challenger Cara Birritieri... the endorsed Democrat candidate... has officially been declared winner over incumbant Republican David Wordelmann. The county's Board of Elections says Birritieri out-polled Wordelmann after counting absentee and affidavit ballots, 458-to-420. Birritieri tells us that the results still haven't sunk in yet, and adds she's really looking forward to taking office. Birritieri was ahead by only 19 votes after election night, 418-to-399. The Independent candidate was endorsed by village Democrats, and two other minor parties in the race. Birritieri has been a member of the Citizens for Better Government Committee... and, says she wants to move fullspeed ahead on a new Comprehenive Plan... and, getting a new Recreation Center up and running.
----
The Democrat candidates in the two "too close to call" Chautauqua County Legislature races gained during the absentee and affidavit ballot counts... but, not enough to win. In District 11... incumbant Republican David Wilfong won, 371-to-333 over Democrat Bob Whitney, Junior. Wilfong led after Election Night, 347-to-305. In District 12... another GOP incumbant, Elisabeth Rankin, defeated Democrat Beth Kresge, 462-to-439. Ranklin led 430-to-399 on Election night.
Despite calls not to... Cuomo says he plans to continue accepting Syrian refugees...
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says rejecting Syrian refugees would be akin to letting terrorists win by ``conceding defeat of the American dream.'' Responding to those urging him to block the placement of Syrian refugees... the Democratic governor told students at Harvard University Tuesday that efforts to prevent terrorism must be balanced with America's status as a beacon for liberty and tolerance. Cuomo says Washington has vowed to screen potential terrorists. He also noted that governors cannot legally block refugees anyway. Several governors have said they won't allow Syrian refugees into their states following the coordinated attacks in Paris.
