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News Headlines for Tues., Feb. 2, 2016

Dunkirk Dave sees his shadow, breaks ranks with other groundhogs...

Chautauqua County's own groundhog went against the regional trend of the majority of groundhogs... who agree with a prediction of an early Spring this year.  "Dunkirk Dave" ventured outside his burrow this morning... and, saw his shadow.  His long-time handler, Bob Will, says that means six more weeks of Winter weather.  Will says Dave came out and got some of his favorite food, and walked around a little.  He says there was some sun out at the time, and Dave did see his shadow.  Will is quick to point out that, he has "Dave" stick with tradition for the groundhogs... which are usually left on the ground after they come out of their burrows to be fed.  He points out that Punxsutawney Phil's handlers hold him up in the air... which skews the ability to see the groundhog's shadow.  Phil did not see his shadow this morning... meaning an early Spring.


City man and teen arrested for allegedly assaulting another man, and pistol-whipping him...

A Jamestown man and a teenager have been arrested for allegedly assaulting another city man during an incident on Newton Avenue last Sunday afternoon.  City Police Captain Bob Samuelson adds that police also recovered a loaded pistol during an investigation into the incident... which was reported about 2 p.m.  Samuelson says the victim was struck in the head, and pistol whipped by the suspects.  He says they found the gun in the trunk of a car connected to the incident.  Police obtained a search warrant for 22 year-old Aaron Miller's apartment at 846 Prendergast Ave., where they also found more than 22 grams of "crack" cocaine, cash, and another gun.  Miller faces several charges... including Felony counts of second-degree assault... and, criminal possession of a weapon.  The 17 year-old faces an Felony assault charge.  Both were arraigned and sent to the county jail without bail.


City police and fire investigators identified Jamestown man as alleged "Serial Arsonist..."

A city man is jailed on $75,000 bail for allegedly being the "serial arsonist" who set three vacant house fires in Jamestown between October of 2014... and, last Christmas Eve.  City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says 26 year-old Joshua Whalen was arrested after being indicted by the Chautauqua County Grand Jury on three counts of third-degree arson.  Samuelson credited city police and fire investigators for solid evidence collecting in the case... and, says they're both pleased... and relieved... that this arsonist is off the streets.  He credited city police and fire investigators for their hard work on the case.  Samuelson says the arsons allegedly took place at 230 McKinley Ave. on back on October 25 of 2014... 420 Falconer St. on May 18 of last year... and, 1052 1/2 North Main St. last Dec. 24.  He says Whelan was arraigned... and, sent to the County lock-up.  Samuelson says they are looking to see if the suspect was involved in three other arson fies.  Samuelson says... if you have any information on those other arsons... you're asked to call the JPS Tip-line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477. 


City police say person allegedly involved in Second St. Shooting is in custody on other charges...

One suspect is in custody on an unrelated charge in connection with a drive-by shooting on Jamestown's eastside a week ago in which a 10 year-old child was wounded.  City police say they are continuing to investigate the incident at 411 East Second St., in which several gun-shots were fired into the building.  No one else was hurt.  The child was initially recovering from the wound at Women and Children's Hospital in Buffalo.  But, we understand the child has now been released.  Neither the child... nor the supect have been identified.  If you have any information in the case... you're asked to call City Police at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.


Judge in case involving Chautauqua Amp. project wants expert testimony before rendering decision on lawsuit...

A temporary restraining order remains in place for Chautauqua Institution's Amphitheater project after another hearing in State Supreme Court in Mayville.  That from "Save the Amp" Attorney Arthur Giacalone... who says Judge Frank Sedita-III has also ordered lawyers for both sides to be back in his chambers this Wednesday afternoon.  Giacalone says Sedita wants to hear witness testimony before deciding further on another extension.  He says he also needs to determine if the $41.5-million project constitutes a significant "action..." or a "minor action."  He says that will help determine if the project violates the State Environmental Quality Review -- or SEQR -- Act... as well as the town of Chautauqua's Waterfront Consistancy regulations.  The legal action was started once the town of Chautauqua issued demolition and building permits for the project... which will involved demolishing the old Amp... and, building a replica structure.


Both sides in Chautauqua Amp. case react...

The two sides in the case released statements following Monday's court hearing.  "Save the Amp" co-founder Brian Berg says extension of the temporary restraining order is "an important next step in preserving Chautauqua's sacred space and one of America's most historic landmarks."  Berg adds they're also pleased that the judge and the court are "proceeding carefully and we're looking forward to continuing the process next week."  Officials at Chautauqua says they're disappointed they cannot begin work on the new Amp.  However... officials say they are pleased the judge "recognizes the urgency of our Spring construction schedule."  In the meantime... they says other aspects of the project are moving forward.