An elderly French Creek man was struck and killed by a car yesterday morning on Griffin Road in the western Chautauqua County town. Sheriff's officers say 88 year-old George Boozel was attempted to cross -- near his home at 10514 Griffin Road -- about 8:20 AM when he was struck by a westbound vehicle. Deputies say the driver of the car, 25 year-old N. L. Lombardozzi -- also of Griffin Road -- was not hurt. Officers say Boozel died at the scene. Deputies say the crash remains under investigation... and, charges are pending.
Four teenagers were arrested last Friday night following a fight on Jamestown's westside that reportedly involved six subjects. City police were called to the scene at 118 Livingston Avenue shortly after 8 PM. Officers say the subjects allegedly refused to comply with police during the investigation. Officers then tried to arrest one suspect when four others began fighting with officers, and resisted arrest on the porch at 118 Livingston. Police finally arrested two 16 year-olds from Jamestown... a 17 year-old from Jamestown... and, another 17 year-old from Lackawanna. Officers say they were all jailed on charges ranging from obstruction... to resisting arrest. They're being held pending arraignment. Ellicott and Lakewood-Busti Police... along with Sheriff's officers... assisted JPD at the scene.
New York state's now had five-consecutive on-time -- or near on time budgets. However... the process remains flawed. That from state Assemblyman Andy Goodell... who addressed members of the Chautauqua County Chamer of Commerce during last Friday's annual State Legislative Breakfast in Lakewood. Goodell says there are good aspects to the new spending plan. But... he says it was rushed through in the end without the normal, 3-day period the budget bills are supposed to wait once they reach legislator's desks. Goodell says some of the budget bills weren't printed until just after Midnight, April 1st... and, they were put on legislator's desk for a vote shortly after that because the majority approved the "emergency nature" of the bills. The Assembly finished voting on Friday night, April 1st. Even with all the problems... Goodell says an on-time budget is good because it was late so many times before... including one time when it dragged into August. He says that leaves local school districts and governments having to guess what kind of aid they'll be receiving.
There was no additional muncipal aid for small cities in the 2016-17 state budget... but, there were other -- positive aspects to the spending plan. That from Mayor Sam Teresi... who was disappointed that the 156-billion dollar spending plan included no increase. However... Teresi says the additional 6-billion dollars in state Department of Transporation funding will help the city through a new initiative with local road and bridge work. Teresi says the city will receive about 900-thousand dollars in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program... or CHIPS funding again. He adds they'll also get about 200-thousand in PAVE-New York funds. Teresi adds the city will also "aggressively compete" for one of 10 Downtown Revitalization Program designations... which would provide 10-million dollars to boost "distressed cities." In addition to not getting more muncipal aid... Teresi says he was very disappointed to see state lawmakers include no new Mandate Relief in the 2016-17 budget. Teresi made his comments for this past weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the five Media One Group stations.
Federal prosecutors say former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver abused his power to help two women, including a lobbyist, with whom he had extramarital affairs. However... his lawyers say the papers reveal -- "unproven and salacious allegations that have no place in this case or public discussion." Manhattan federal Judge Valerie Caproni released documents including the allegations last Friday. Silver initially declined comment just prior to them being released. The 72-year-old Democrat was convicted last November in a 5-million dollar corruption case. Prosecutors say he traded favors to enrich himself and then lied about it. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 3rd. Lawyers for The New York Times and WNBC-TV asked the judge to unseal documents pertaining to evidence excluded from trial. Silver's lawyers say the unsealing could jeopardize a fair trial if Silver wins an appeal.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has reported earning 196-thousand dollars on his federal tax return for tax year 2015, a reduction from the previous year when his recently published memoir boosted his income. The Democratic governor made his tax returns available for inspection by reporters on Friday ahead of Monday's filing deadline. The returns show Cuomo's gubernatorial salary of $168,000, along with nearly $29,000 in tax exempt interest from investments. Cuomo paid $47,000 in federal taxes and will receive a refund of $10,400, which he will apply to his 2016 taxes. The return shows $10,000 in donations to HELP USA, a charity for the homeless that Cuomo founded decades ago. His state return shows total New York state taxes of $12,500, with a refund of $1,728.
A Ripley-area woman escaped serious injuries after falling off her All-Terrain Vehicle as it was crossing a creek off East Side Road last weekend. Sheriff's deputies say 57 year-old Dotty Woollett was riding the ATV about 4 PM last Saturday when the accident occured. Officers say Woolett was taken to Westfield Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
The Dunkirk Common Council will be taking action on a resolution that would allow Mayor Willie Rosas to negotiate an agreement with a new tenant for the Chadwick Bay Marina. The resolution was among the measures that were pre-filed for this Tuesday evening's Common Council meeting. Rosas says Charles Pringle, owner of Holiday Harbor on Chautauqua Lake, is interested in leasing the Dunkirk area marina. Rosas could not release more details about the proposal at this time because of negotiations between Jeff Gambino and Pringle. The Common Council meeting is set for 5:30 PM tomorrow.
A north county man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting another person at his home just over a week ago. Sheriff's officers say they were called to the scene at 38 Main Street in Silver Creek on Saturday night, April 10th. Deputies say 37 year-old Quintin Jones allegedly choked the victim during the assault. However... he fled the scene by the time officers arrived. Deputies say an arrest warrant was obtained from Silver Creek Village Court... and, Jones was arrested without incident late last week. He ws arraigned on one count of third-degree assault... and, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation... and, sent to the county jail with bail to be set.
Pennsylvania is now the 24th state to legalize a comprehensive medical marijuana program. Democratic Governor Tom Wolf signed the bill into law Sunday before a jubilant crowd of supporters at the state Capitol. Parents can legally administer medical marijuana to their children... even though the bill doesn't take effect for another month. Bill drafters say it could take two years to get retailers open.
