Update on West Ellicott convenience store robbery...
Ellicott Town Police say three people were taken into custody last night in connection to the armed hold-up at the 24-hour convenience store at 575 Fairmount Avenue in West Ellicott. Detective Kevin Pierce says futher details will be released later this morning on the charges and suspects involved. First Sergeant Matt Kubinski says no one was hurt in the incident. Anyone with additional information can call Ellicott Town Police at 665-7083.
A teenaged male has been arrested in the city of Jamestown after allegedly trying to use counterfeit money to pay for two taxi rides last Tuesday night....
City Police say they were called to investigate the complaint about 10 PM and, during that time, the 18 year-old called and requested a taxi. Police say the cab company alerted them and, they stopped the taxi in the area of Falconer and Stowe Streets. Officers say the teen tried to use a false name, but, was arrested without further incident. He was being held pending arraignment on charges of first-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, theft of services and, criminal impersonation.
A Dewittville man -- allegedly driving drunk -- was injured in a serious motor vehicle accident in the Town of Ellery Tuesday night....
Sheriff's Officers responded to Maple Grove Road just before midnight for a reported rollover accident and, identified the driver as 29 year-old Marcus Lutgen. Deputies say Lutgen was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be extricated by the Bemus Point Fire Department. Further police investigation led to Lutgen's arrest for DWI and several vehicle and traffic charges. He was transported to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment and is to appear in court at a later date. County medics also assisted as the scene.
The Chautauqua County League of Women Voters will be holding a debate next Monday night, June 17th at 7 PM in Dunkirk City Hall....
League officials add it's likely going to be the only public debate in the county involving the two candidates running for the Republican party line in the 57th State Senate District race. Marcia Merrins, who will help moderate the debates, says there will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions of the candidates. She says questions will be screened to make sure they are pertinent to that office. The contests will be among a handful that will be featured on Tuesday, June 25th.
The man endorsed by Jamestown Republicans to run for mayor has now picked up a third-party endorsement in his effort to win in November....
County Legislator Dave Wilfong has also received the backing of the Chautauqua County Conservative Party in his effort. Wilfong expressed his appreciation to the Conservative Committee, and Chairwoman Anna Wilcox, saying it was an honor and privledge to receive it. He sees the second line as a help for November.
However, before that, Wilfong must contend with a primary challenge in about two weeks -- Tuesday, June 25th -- against At-Large City Councilman Andrew Liuzzo, who was the first announced candidate earlier this year. Wilfong says his campaign has it's eye on that and, adds their effort has gone well. He says he's been canvassing the neighborhoods, and says he has on-line ads and has literature set to be mailed out. Wilfong says being a fiscal conservative as a member of the County Legislature helped him land the Conservative Party backing. He is currently serving his third-term as county legislator from District 11 and is chairman of the Chautauqua County Republican Party.
The second annual 'Give Big CHQ' is today....
Executive Director Tory Irgang with the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, says nearly 100 organizations are asking for support during the 24 hour period. She says the on-line set-up encourages a demographic that might not otherwise donate to help organizations they care about. The Chautauqua Region and Northern Chautauqua Community Foundations encourage donors to go to 'Give Big CHQ.org' and make a contribution before midnight Thursday. Irgang says they try to make it fun, with extra prizes for the non-profits involved, depending on how and when people give and there's a leader board for the most dollars raised and the most unique giver. The extra prizes are made possible by BWB, Weber Knapp, Courier Capital, Allied Alarm and Southern Tier Brewing.
