Thursday is 10th anniversary of the capture of Ralph "Bucky" Phillips...

Today is the 10th year anniversary of the conclusion to the biggest manhunt in New York State history -- up to that time.  That was the night that police from New York and Pennsylvania found and captured fugitive Ralph "Bucky" Phillips of Stockton.  The 43 year-old Phillips had escaped in early April of 2006 from the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden.  While on the run... he was accused of shooting and killing State Trooper Joseph Longobardo in Chautauqua County... and, wounding two others.  New York State Police Superintendent Wayne Bennett brought in more resources, and troopers... and, the intensified search with about 200 state troopers paid off.  Bennett says police were on "the same page" in finally flushing Phillips out and capturing him.  A person near Akley, Pennsylvania earlier in the day apparently spotted someone stealing their car... which then led police on a chase into New York state.  The driver got away after getting out of the vehicle.  Police then focused on the area of the state border near Frewsburg, and Pine Grove Township in Pennsylvania.  Once captured... Phillips was turned over to New York state authorities... then taken to Buffalo for arraignment in U-S District Court.  He faced a slew of charges -- first in the Elmira area -- then Chautauqua County.  Phillips later pleaded guilty, and his now serving a life sentence.  More on this story later.

 

 

Horrigan says he's "fine-tuning" the proposed budget he'll present in late September....

County Executive Vince Horrigan says he's close to having his tentative 2017 budget ready to present to the legislature at the end of this month.  Horrigan says he has now reviewed the spending plans for all department heads... and, is fine-tuning the budget this week.  He says he's not ready to reveal details yet... but, does say it's part of an overall, five-year spending plan.  Horrigan says he's looking at a few more areas that could save taxpayers some money.  He congratulated his department heads for their hard work on their spending plans... which he says gave him a good base to work from.  Horrigan will present the spending plan at the county legislature's meeting on Wednesday, September 28th.  He made his comments on this week's "Community Spotlight" program.

 

 

Jamestown man arrested for assault of woman on eastide...

A city man is jailed for allegedly punching a woman in the face several times early yesterday morning at a home on Jamestown's eastside.  City police say officers were called to the scene at 222 Winsor St. about 1:40 a.m. for a reported assault.  Police say they found the female victim on arrival... and, she told them she had been hit several times by 47 year-old Raymond Finch III for no apparent reason.  Officers say the victim was taken to WCA Hospital for treatment of facial injuries.  Finch was arrested for third-degree assault... and, taken to the city jail pending arraignment.

 

 

Mains says JPS UPK to now include some 3 year-olds...

Early childhood education is taking on new meaning in the Jamestown Public School district this year... as seven classrooms -- two in district schools -- will work with 3 year-old students this year.  School Superintendent Tim Mains says it's part of an effort to add a year of Universal Pre-K for young students who could use an extra year of learning.  Mains calls it a good way to start acquainting children with the basics... such as learning their letters, sounds and colors to help "them function well in school."  Mains says... since it's a "brand new program..." they've limited it to just the two classrooms in district schools.  Five others they fund at other early learning centers are also part of the initiative.  He says there are between 25 and 30 students involved.  If the program proves successful... Mains says the school administration may consider expanding it in the future.

 

 

Three hurt when Amish Buggy goes out of control on Clymer-Sherman Road...

Three Amish residents are being treated at an Erie, Pennsylvania hospital after their out of control horse and buggy crashed Thursday morning in the Clymer-area.  Sheriff's officers say the buggy was traveling on the Clymer-Sherman Road just before 8 a.m. when the horse was "spooked" by a passing vehicle.  Deputies say the horse ran out of control off the roadway... when it became separated from the buggy.  Officers say the buggy rolled over... injuring the three riders.  They were all take to the UPMC Hamot Medical Center for treatment.  The Sheriff's Office is reminding motorists to use caution... and, reduce speeds when approaching and overtaking horses and buggies on the roadways.

 

 

Jamestown-area gas prices trending upward...

Gasoline prices in the Jamestown-area have been moving upward over the past week.  That from the AAA's Fuel Gauge Report... which says the price is now just over $2.38 a gallon.  AAA says regular, unleaded gas last year at this time was about $2.71 a gallon.  The Fuel Gauge adds that the national average price is now $2.20 per gallon... a figure that's dropped for the past six days.  Generally... gas prices started turning lower heading into the Labor Day weekend, which marks the unofficial end to the summer driving season.  The Fuel Gauge reports that prices rose in the second half of August due to increasing crude oil prices and uncertainty regarding Hurricane Hermine's impact on Gulf Coast refineries.