U.S. DOT rejects Chautauqua Co. and Boutique's proposal to restore commercial air service to Jamestown Airport...
Local officials are expressing deep disappointment over the U.S. Department of Transporation's decision to reject Chautauqua County's bid to restore commercial air service at the Jamestown Airport. County Executive George Borrello... who has been working with Boutique Air to restore service between Jamestown and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania... says, though, the DOT has left the door open for a revised application, and he says they've been talking with DOT about what needs further detail or clarification, and quickly re-submitting it. Borrello says that process of reapplying may take about two weeks or more... but, he says the DOT has "left the docket open." He says that means they can apply sooner rather than later. Borrello says he spoke Monday with Boutique Air's President and Chief Executive Officer, Shawn Simpson, who re-emphasized his commitment to bringing commercial air service back to Jamestown. He also says Simpson will also work on further developing ways to improve ridership.
Boy Scout Leader from Lakewood accused of sexually assaulting young scout in 2017...
A boy scout leader from Lakewood will be going to trial on charges he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old boy during a 2017 event near Meadville, Pennsylvania. The Post-Journal... citing a report in the Meadville Tribune... says 74 year-old Donald Shriver, waived his preliminary hearing before a District Magistrate. The paper said Shriver was the victim’s scout leader at the time of event August 18 -- 20, 2017, at Camp Chickasaw, located in East Mead Township, Pennsylvania. Shriver is accused of touching the boy’s genitals, and attempting to touch the boy’s genitals during the event. He is charged with third-degree corruption of minors and unlawful contact with minor -- which are felony offenses. In addition, Shriver faces first-degree misdemeanor charges of indecent assault of a person under 13, endangering the welfare of children and criminal attempt at indecent assault of a person under 13. He was released on $25,000 unsecured bond... pending a May trial date.
Wind Advisory in effect for Chautauqua County...
It's expected to be a windy day through the day today across Chautauqua County, and much of the region. The National Weather Service is continuing a Wind Advisory through 10 p.m. tonight. Meteorologist Dave Zaff in Buffalo says wind speeds will be picking up and may cause some problems across the area... and, there will be some lake-enhanced blowing snow. He says we see a lull on Thursday before the next storm system moves in on Friday. Snowfall totals today may be 1 to 2 inches across the area... but Zaff says there will be some blowing snow that could make travel difficult... and, may trigger some power outages.
Jamestown sets new record for Sales Tax revenues...
The city of Jamestown has once again been able to beat it's projected sales tax revenues for the just-completed year... with another record amount collected. City Comptroller Joe Bellitto told the Finance Committee that the city has a "surprisingly good" fourth-quarter... bringing in $1.56-million over the final three months of 2018. Finance Committee Chairman Tony Dolce says that means Jamestown brought in just over $6.4-million, which is about $434,000 more than was budgeted. Dolce says -- though -- they are sticking with the current projection for 2019 of $6.2-million. Dolce says the city received just over $6.1-million in sales tax revenues in 2017 after budgeting for $6-million even. Bellitto says that means last year's increase was about $325,000 over 2017 -- or a 5.3-percent increase.
Pennies 4 Paws underway at Chautauqua County Humane Society...
Looking to continue to provide services to animals that come to their shelter, the Chautauqua County Humane Society kicked off their 14th annual Pennies for Paws campaign Tuesday. Humane Society Community Relations Director Brian Papalia says they have 60 businesses partnering with them so far and are looking to add more school, community and other groups. Brian says it costs about $600 a week to feed the animals at the humane society and in foster care. The funds collected through Pennies for Paws will help supply food, shelter, medical care and training supplies to the animals. Papalia says the familiar change jars from years past will be spread out throughout the area until the end of April. The Pennies 4 Paws campaign hopes to collect 1.5 million pennies.... or $15,000 this year. For more information, go on-line to spcapets.com or call 665-2209.
