Sharp Cold Front brings short-lived storms, knocks down trees and power lines...
There were some downed trees and power lines... but, no serious issues were reported when a sharp cold front came through the Jamestown-area late yesterday afternoon. There were some rain showers associated with the front... which passed through within about half-an-hour after the rain started about 4:30 p.m.... the system then moved to the east. After a high of 77 degrees... temperatures dropped about 10-degrees within that time period.
City man arrested and jailed without bail on drug, weapons charges...
An accused drug dealer is jailed without bail for allegedly being found in possession of more than 15 pounds of marihuaua late last week on Jamestown's northside. City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, state Police C-NET Team, and U-S Postal Service obtained a search warrant for the 35 Lakeview Ave. apartment of 23 year-old Bryan Torres. Samuelson says, inside, they found the drugs, along with a loaded shotgun, a bullet-proof vest, and, more than $47,000 in cash. He says the apartment appeared to be a "hub" of drug trafficking for pot to be dealt in the Jamestown-area. Samuelson says they're pleased to have the drugs, and weapon off the street. He says police spotted Torres leaving the scene when they arrived about 4:40 p.m. last Friday... and, he was arrested when his vehicle was stopped a short time later. He says Torres faces one count of first-degree criminal possession of marihuana... and, disorderly conduct during the traffic stop. Torres was arraigned and sent to the county lock-up. If you have any information on illegal drug activity in the city... you're asked to call the Drug Task Force at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477. You can also leave an anonymous message on their Tips 4-1-1 app.
Man arrested in Sherman for possessing meth...
A Sherman man is accused of being in possession of drugs during a traffic stop in the village of Sherman late last month. Sheriff's deputies say 41 year-old James Linger has now been formally charged with one count of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after deputies checked on his car last Sept. 29 on East Street. Officers say Linger's vehicle was parked in a traveling lane when they checked on him. He was found with a quantity of Methamphetime, and drug paraphernalia. In addition to the drug charges... Linger was ticketed for parking on pavement. He was issued appearance tickets for Sherman Town Court.
DiNapoli visits with Mayor Teresi during visit to city last Friday afternoon...
The state's fiscal watchdog reassured Jamestown city officials late last week that New York stands behind their efforts to restructure city government, and dig out from their deficit problems. That from State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli... who met with Mayor Sam Teresi last Friday afternoon to discuss the city's financial situation... and, economic development initiatives. DiNapoli says the city has "done well" in leveraging state dollars... and, working with the state's Restructuring Board. He says there have been indications of "on-going support" to help with the city's short term budget issues. The state provided Jamestown with some short-term help this past year in plugging an $825,000 shortfall. New York also provided $1.5-million to get a new health insurance program in place for the city's Medicare-eligible retirees. Teresi says he appreciated the Comptroller's reassurance... after speaking with him about the situation. Teresi presented his 2018 budget proposal this past Tuesday. It totals $35.7-million... and, includes a 21-cent per $1,000 full value tax rate increase.
Cuomo hails decision to grant in-state tuition for displaced students...
In New York state government news, Governor Andrew Cuomo is hailing the state's decision to grant in-state tuition to displaced students from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Democratic governor had encouraged state higher education officials to make the change, which he says will help students whose education has been disrupted by recent hurricanes. Meanwhile, mental health advocates are urging the state to increase funding for housing, arguing that community-based housing for the mentally ill provides better services for less money compared to institutions or prisons. And state labor officials are taking a look at on-call scheduling, a practice in which retail and other workers have to call before a scheduled shift to learn whether they're needed. Officials may propose new scheduling rules to reduce disruption on workers' lives.
Rosas proposes 2018 Dunkirk Budget...
Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas has released his proposed 2018 city budget... and, he says it will not include a tax rate increase. Rosas made the announcement during his annual budget presentation at City Hall late last week. He says the budget totals $22.2-million dollars... and, is balanced, and there is no increase in the tax levy. Rosas says through the assistance of Governor Andrew Cuomo and State Senator Cathy Young, the city will not see a reduction in transitional aid for 2018, funding the city is receiving because of the moth-balling of the NRG Power Plant. He says the budget will also not change sewer and water rates. The Common Council will have until Nov. 15 to make any changes to the budget.
