Congressman Tom Reed sat down in a barn in Westfield Monday afternoon with a dozen representatives of agriculture to talk about farm issues...   

 

Dick Kimball, President of the Chautauqua County Farm Bureau, led the meeting and told the Congressman uncertainty in trade is harming all agriculture and urged Congress to act.  Reed said he generally supports the disruptive approach to trade talks, and applauds the deal announced earlier in the day with Mexico.  He says it maintains a 'zero tariff' for dairy products going into Mexico despite a lot of gamesmanship regarding 'non-tariff barriers.'  On immigration, Reed said he understands farmers need solid reform to ensure a stable workforce.  A deal fell apart a few days before passage, he claims… and now both sides want it stalled because it's a good election issue. 

 

 

Local and state officials across New York are honoring late U-S Senator John McCain by lowering flags on government buildings to half-staff...  

 

Governor Andrew Cuomo said Sunday lowering the flags on state buildings was a "small gesture for one of America's giants."  New York City is doing the same at city-government buildings.  County Executive George Borrello says the Vietnam War veteran, and Prisoner of War, was a "hero and patriot."  Borrello says McCain was never bitter about his imprisonment and, decided to channel his efforts to public service.  The 81-year-old McCain died last Saturday in Arizona after discontinuing medical treatment for an aggressive form of brain cancer. 

 

 

Lightning apparently triggered a garage fire in the town of North Harmony Monday morning...  

 

Sheriff's Department dispatchers say Ashville fire crews were called to the scene at 2860 Open Meadows Road about 8:00.  They were joined at the scene by Panama and Lakewood firefighters.  We have no details on the blaze, but crews were there about an hour-and-a-half.  No injuries were reported.

 

 

More discussion and information is needed before Jamestown city lawmakers can fill a vacant constable's position...  

 

That from Mayor Sam Teresi after last night's Council voting session.  Earlier, the President of the Real Estate Investor's Association in the city, Harold Whitford, said he was disappointed to not see the item in the prefiled agenda after lawmakers went behind closed-doors last week to discuss three candidates.  In the meantime, Teresi says the city still has two constables available.

 

Teresi says that he did fully discuss the three candidates -- who have not been named -- and background checks done on each of them.  He says those types of conversations cannot be held in "the public arena."  Teresi says they reviewed the candidates, and are awaiting insurance information from them.  He says he's hopeful to have a candidate to vote on at next month's voting session.

 

 

For the first time ever, the annual George Ritzer Labor Award will be given to one recipient for the second-time at next Sunday's annual Labor Day Festival in Jamestown...  

 

Retired City Councilman George Spitale, who was also head of the American Federation State-and-County Municipal Employees for 22 years, will receive this year's award.  Spitale told committee members there had to be someone as deserving that hasn't received the Ritzer Award yet.  However... he tells us they wanted to recognize his many years of commitment to the local labor movement.  He'll get the award at 4 p.m. this Sunday, during the festival, at Bergman Park.

 

 

The Republican candidate for Chautauqua County Sheriff says -- he too -- opposes the current push to legalize recreational marihuana in New York state....  

 

Retired Sheriff's Lieutenant Jim Quattrone feels legalization sends too many "mixed messages" to youth about the potential dangers of smoking pot.  Quattrone says a 74-page state Health Department study does nothing to quell those concerns.

 

Quattrone also says he believes that more people will begin using marihuana if it becomes legal and, adds that the most commonly abused drug is alcohol -- which is legal.  He adds that while it can be a "gateway drug..." he's not totally convinced that marihuana is that, but adds it's a mind-altering substance.  Shortly after the announcement by Governor Cuomo to further study the issue, Incumbant Sheriff Joe Gerace said he opposed any legalization of recreational marihuaua.  Quattrone says currently, if someone is found in possession of a small amount of marihuaua, it's a violation.  He made his comments for this past weekend's "Community Spotlight" programon the five Media One Group stations.

 

 

The first full-day of the 12th annual Humanitarian Law Dialogs is wrapping up at Chautauqua Institution after the program started Sunday night at the Robert H. Jackson Center...  

 

The law dialogs are one of the biggest conferences involving international prosecutors from several international courts.  Prosecutor and retired Director of the Jackson Center, Jim Johnson, says this year's theme is "Is the Justice We Seek the Justice they Want..." and is focusing more on victims.

 

Johnson says he believes the international courts and the World Court have done that.  However, he also says it's important to take a step back and look at what impacts there are on the victims, and nations involved.  The programs concludes today and, the panel of prosecutors will issue their annual "Chautauqua Declaration" about 2:30 this afternoon.

 

 

A Jamestown teen is accused of burglarizing a vacant home on the city's westside over the weekend... 

 

City police responded to an address on West 13th Street for a fight in the area over a possible burglary in progress. On arrival, officers determined 19 year-old Ricky Myers, II had taken property from an un-occupied Washington Street home. Police located Myers and recovered the stolen items before placing him under arrest. He's being held in city jail pending arraignment. 

 

 

Jamestown residents will have a chance to meet local elected officials (including those holding county office) tonight on the city's northside...  

 

At Large Councilman Andrew Liuzzo has organized the event at Love School as a school supply drive, as well.  Liuzzo says it's an "informal venue" to meet the constituents he represents.  He adds that he's also invited state Senator Cathy Young, Assemblyman Andy Goodell, County Executive George Borello, city council members and department heads to the event, called "Ask Us."  It will run from 6-8 p.m., it will be held rain or shine.  A tent will be available in the event of rain.

 

 

A man from Hamburg taking part in the annual Grand Fondo bicycle rally in Chautauqua County escaped serious injury when his bike was struck by a car during last Saturday's event...  

 

Ellicott Town Police were called to the scene of the accident on Jackson Avenue in Celoron shortly before 11 AM.  Officers say the bike, operated by 59 year-old Michael Kirsch, was northbound at the time.  They say the driver of the car, 77 year-old David Frushone of Jamestown, had stopped at a stop sign but, apparently didn't see Kirsch in time and, hit the bike.  Kirsch was treated at the scene for apparent minor injuries.  Frushone has not been charged.

 

 

A Corry Pennsylvania man is accused of driving on suspending license with weapons and drugs in his SUV last Thursday... 

 

State Police in Warren say a traffic stop was initated on a Toyota 4-Runner traveling south on State Route 6. Troopers say while interviewing 36 year-old Ryan Groves, they saw a black and silver Smith and Wesson 9-millimeter pistol on the driver's lap. Further investigation revealed two pistol magazines and a bullet in the side-door panel, along with a piece of glass containing suspected methamphetamine in plain sight. Officers searched Groves's vehicle and allegedly found LSD, meth, paraphernalia and brass knuckles. While being interviewed in custody, Groves admitted to officers that the white powdery substance was meth and the stamps possibly contained LSD. He's being held in Warren County Jail.