Warren, PA man arrested for alleged on attempted homicide charges following arson fire...
A Warren, Pennsylvania man faces seven counts of attempted homicide following an arson fire in Sugar Grove Township last Thursday night. State Police in Warren responded to Wilson Road to assist firefighters at 8 p.m., and, conducted interviews. Further investigation revealed 25 year-old Jackson Knappenberger allegedly came to the home with a plastic bag containing gas and oil. Knappenberger is accused of lighting the bag on fire next to the door of the residence with two adults and five children inside. Troopers say the suspect fled and was found a short distance away. The motive is not known. Knappenberger was transported to the Warren County Jail. The investigation remains open at this time.
Flu cases rising in NYS...
The Cuomo administration says the number of confirmed cases of influenza is rising across New York state, with more than 5,400 people coming down with the illness so far this season. The state Department of Health says as of Thursday new cases of flu have been reported in 58 counties, including the five boroughs of New York City. Only Wyoming, Yates, Seneca and Hamilton counties are not reporting any cases yet. Officials say the number of people hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed flu was 363 this past week, a 41 percent increase over the previous week. So far this season more than 1,300 people have been hospitalized with the flu. Governor Andrew Cuomo is urging flu vaccinations for all New Yorkers six months of age and older.
Wendel expected to again be elected as Co. Legislature Chair in 2019...
The Lakewood Republican who has headed up the Chautauqua County Legislature over the past year is expected to continue in that post in 2019. P-J Wendel has been approved as chairman by the GOP Majority Caucus... and, is expected to be approved at next Wednesday afternoon's re-organizational meeting in Mayville. Wendel says he appreciates the on-going support of his collegues... but, doesn't know if Democrats will nominate anyone or not. He says he looks forward to the challenge... including what he says will be the 'big issue' next year -- dealing with the weed and algal bloom problems on Chautauqua Lake. He praised Executive George Borrello for reaching out to all the groups involved to develop a "Consensus Plan." Next week's reorganizational meeting will begin at 4 PM in the legislature chambers next Wednesday... and, leadership will be acted on. He says Republican Majority Leader Pierre Chagnon is expected to remain in his position... with Lisa VanStrom as Assistant leader. For the Democrats... Chuck Nazzaro of Jamestown is expected to be Minority Leader... with Bob Bankowski serving as Assistant Leader.
Wind Turbine Lawsuit filed by state Thruway Authority...
The New York Thruway Authority has filed a lawsuit against multiple companies over the failure of four wind turbines. The authority says in its lawsuit filed late this week the turbines located along the Thruway in Erie, and Chautauqua counties went offline between October 2017 and January 2018. The turbines were installed in 2013 and 2014 as part of a renewable energy initiative. The lawsuit is alleging negligence, professional malpractice, breach of warranty and breach of contract. WIVB-TV reports the authority is seeking $8.1-million dollars plus interest, costs and collection fees. One of the agencies named in the lawsuit, Kandey Company, Inc., says it has not been served. Still, Kandey says it is confident it did nothing wrong and will be vindicated in court.
Tranum says Holiday Shopping Season looked good in Chautauqua County...
Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce officials say they are optimistic about local retail sales during the holiday shopping season. That from Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Tranum. Tranum says one of their indicators may be the sales of Shoptauqua gift cards... where he says they "really saw an uptick" in the number sold. He is also encouraged by national retail sales and says that could also be an indicator of local sales. While the organization does not do a direct survey, Tranum says there are other indicators that can help gauge the local economy. The Chamber's top official is also encouraged by the recent Regional Economy Development Council awards and the four projects that will be fully-funded by the state in Chautauqua County. He says that bodes well for the county in 2019.
Christmas Tree pick-up slated for a week from Monday in Jamestown...
The city of Jamestown will begin it's annual pick-up of discarded Christmas Trees on Monday, Jan. 7. City Parks and Recreation Coordinator Julia Ciesla-Hanley says the pick-up will be held, weather permitting, and the old trees will be recycled. Ciesla-Hanley says all trees should be removed from plastic bags... Chrismas lights and tree stands. She says residents are urged to place their tree on the terrace between the street and sidewalk and, if possible, to keep visible should a large snowfall occur. For more information... call the City Parks and Recreation Office at 483-7523.
