Police in the city of Jamestown and town of Ellicott are asking for the public's help in tracking down the man who allegedly walked into the Community Bank -- just east of Falconer -- and robbing it...  

 

City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says police were called to the scene at 1982 East Main Street in Ellicott a few minutes before 12 Noon Thursday but, say the bandit had fled the scene.  However, he says suveillance camera's caught the man in the act, location and, demanded money from a teller.

 

Samuelson says the man, who had dark-colored facial hair, gave a teller a note, and did not show any kind of weapon.  In the suveillance photo, the suspect was wearing a dark, horizontal-striped polo shirt and, striped pants.  Samuelson says the man's picture is on all their platforms including their Facebook page.  If you have any information on the robber, he says contact Ellicott Police at 665-7083 or call the JPD Tips-line is 483-TIPS, that's 483-8477.  You can also use the Tips 4-1-1 app.  Samuelson says they've already received a number tips so far.

 

 

A city man faces at least 20 years in prison after admitting in a federal court in Buffalo to conspiracy to distribute large quantities of illegal drugs in the area...  

 

U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Junior announced late Thursday that 36 year-old Juan Pacheco, Junior pled guilty to conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and marijuana.  Prosecutors say Pacheco was receiving large quantities of cocaine and meth from California that were smuggled into the U-S from Mexico.  He would then distribute them locally from a stash house at 477 Main Street.  Police and drug agents raided the home in August of 2016 and, arrested Pacheco and seized signifcant amounts of cocaine, meth., and marihuana. 

 

 

The Jamestown High School class of 2018 will approach a key milestone in their lives tonight...  

 

JHS Principal Mike McElrath says the annual commencement ceremony starts at 7 p.m. in the Chautauqua Institution Ampitheater.

 

McElrath says this year's Valedictorian and Salutatorian are just two of 305 students who will turn their tassles in celebration of their high school graduation.  He says the Valedictorian is Andrew Pumford, who will be attending Vanderbilt University in the Fall.  McElrath adds that Salutatorian Alisha Rensel, who is going to Penn State-Behrend near Erie.  This year's commencement speaker is Cyber Security Researcher Terrance DeJesus, a 2012 Jamestown graduate.

 

 

New York state lawmakers have wrapped up an annual session marked by gridlock and missed opportunities...  

 

The Legislature adjourned Thursday morning after failing to renew New York City's school zone speed camera program.  Proposals to improve school security also fell flat.  The final days mirrored the session.  Proposals to authorize sports betting, eliminate cash bail, reform antiquated election laws and improve school security were introduced but never approved.  Bills to make it easier to prosecute sex traffickers passed, as did a new tax on opioids and a requirement that law enforcement retain rape kits for 20 years.

 

 

The fifth candidate for the Democratic nomination to run for the 23rd District Congressional seat this Fall says it's time to return to the days of the "humble servant politician"...  

 

Ithaca's Ian Golden says that's why he got into the race for the nomination to run against incumbant Republican Tom Reed this Fall.  During the Chautauqua County Democratic Party's annual dinner... Golden also said it's because the policies of the past seven years haven't helped the western Southern Tier.

 

The "Bill" Ian Golden was referencing is retired state Assemblyman Bill Parment who was keynote speaker for the event at Chautauqua.  He says the economy, jobs and education are the key issues he's most passionate about and, he also said he supports single-payer health care and Medicare for all.  Golden said he will push to make economies more local and fair.

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Media One Group news has high-lighted all five candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for Congress during next Tuesday's primary in the 23rd District.  In addition to Golden the candidates are Eddie Sundquist, Linda Andrei, Tracy Mitrano and, Max Della Pia.

 

 

A Summer full of free activities and personal enrichment is being made available again this year through the city of Jamestown's annual Summer Playground Program...  

 

That from Parks and Recreation Coordinator Julia Ciesla-Hanley, who says the program begins for children ages 5 to 13 years-old.  Ciesla-Hanley says they'll again be at five locations: Fletcher, Lincoln, and Ring Elementary Schools, Allen Park and, the Lillian Dickson Tot Lot.  She says lunch will again be free for all kids this year.

 

The Playground program was announced at the Fletcher School playground Thursday afternoon, along with the new Playground Program Recreation Leader.  It's former Recreation Attendant Amelia Dolce, who is the daughter of City Councilman Tony Dolce.  She says it's "exciting" to play a bigger role in the planning this year, which includes a Nature Day Field Trip to Allen Park and, the Summer Reading Program at the Prendergast Library.  The program runs at all sites each day -- Monday through Friday -- from 11 a.m. to 5p.m..  The program runs through August 3.  For more information, call 483-7523.

 

 

There is free legal advice to Jamestown-area residents the third Thursday of each month for people that are dealing with financial issues, including debt... 

 

Spokeswoman and Paralegal Carol Joyce with the Western New York Law Center says representatives were at Chautauqua Opportunities, Incoporated at 402 Chandler Street for three hours yesterday offering their advice on a number of legal matters surrounding their finances.

 

Joyce says they can also help people understand their free credit reports, as well as address problems with creditors seeking payment on something the holder could be unaware of, including charges you were not aware of getting rung up on your credit card.  Joyce says there are no income eligibility requirements to receive their services.  The people working with the Law Center to provide the service are from the Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office in Buffalo.  For more information, call Carol Joyce at 828-8414.