Local Catholics respond with excitement over new pope...

Local Catholics are "excited and hopefilled" about the new Pope... who is wrapping up his first full-day of duties today (Thursday).  That from Father Dennis Mende of Holy Apostles Parish in Jamestown.  Father Mende says he was kind of surprised by the choice of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina... but, is pleased with the choice.  Mende presided over the 9 a.m. Mass at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church Thursday morning... and, says parishioners were abuzz about it.  Mende says the way he presented himself to the people at St. Peter's Square showed "that there is a real connection between Pope Francis and the people of the church."  Many have called the new Pope Francis "a man of the people."  In his first blessing to the thousands gathered in Rome following his election... Mende says the pope first asked for the people's prayers.  Francis also displayed a style that shows he may reject some of the trappings that come with the new position.

Catholics in NYC area greet news of new pope with enthusiasm and surprise...

Roman Catholics in New York greeted the new pope with emotions reflecting their diversity -- from enthusiasm to surprise.  Inside St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue, worshippers filled pews Wednesday for a Mass honoring the new pontiff, Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina.  St. Patrick's rector, Msgr. Robert Ritchie, noted in his sermon that one cardinal called the new Pope Francis ``the holiest man'' he'd ever known.  That's what the rector says the pope has to be to face the problems that have `infected' the church today.  Joe Robertson, a commodities trader from New Jersey, says he's surprised by the choice of the 76-year-old South American, since there was talk of picking a younger man to handle the stress of all the travel facing a pontiff today.

Central New York man sought in Herkimer area shootings killed in police shoot-out...

Authorities in upstate New York say the suspected gunman in a rampage at a car wash and a barbershop that left four people dead has been killed by police in a shootout.  They say 64-year-old Kurt Myers was killed Thursday morning by police who had surrounded a block of small businesses in the village of Herkimer since Wednesday afternoon.  Trooper Jack Keller says police went into the building around 8 AM.  He says the shootout occurred in the basement, where Myers shot a police dog.  Keller says police returned fire, killing him.  Myers' rampage started with a fire in his apartment in the nearby village of Mohawk on Wednesday morning.

Cassadaga Valley School Board to put committee in place to look at possible used for the Cassadaga Elementary School building after it closes at end of June...

The Cassadaga Valley School District is expected to form a committee next month that will look into possible uses of the Cassadaga Elementary School after it closes in June.  That from School Superintendent Scott Smith after the board voted this week to close the school at the end of the 2012-2013 school year.  Smith says the board has indicated a strong desire to have the district maintain the building.  He says one of the things made very clear by the board was that they want to continue to maintain the facililty so it does not become a problem, or an "eyesore" for the community.  The Board voted to close the building by a 4-0 vote last Monday night.  Smith says there has been a lot of interest in the building... both in leasing space, or buying the building.  He says the board will likely establish the committee that will look at viable uses for the facility when it holds its next regular meeting in April.

Two PA men on JPD's Top-10 Most Wanted arrested...

Two Pennsylvania men wanted on Felony warrants in Jamestown have been arrested... and, are being returned to Chautauqua County.  Jamestown Police say 39 year-old Anthony Ford was wanted for criminal sale of a controlled substance.  Officers say Ford was found in Pittsburgh... and, taken into custody.  He was returned to Jamestown yesterday... and, was arraigned and sent to the county jail.  Police add that 34 year-old John Griffin of Warren was sought for Grand Larceny.  Officers say he was found late yesterday by Sheriff's officers in Warren... and, is currently being held pending an extradiction hearing.

State officials still looking at early 2013-2014 budget...

The state Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo are on still on-track to pass the earliest state budget in decades.  The legislature has begun publicly presenting counterproposals to Cuomo... although closed-door negotiations have been going on for weeks.  The governor's $143-billion budget proposal would increase state spending about 2-percent.  It includes no new taxes, although he would extend some business taxes that were due to expire.  The independent Citizens Budget Commission says Cuomo's budget proposal is reasonable.  The Legislature traditionally adds less than one-percent to the budget, but it is usually in the areas that hit New Yorkers most such as school aid, taxes, fees and health care.

Still no final agreement on police services between Lakewood and Busti...

There is no final agreement on a contract for police services between the village of Lakewood and the town of Busti.  However... there has been some miscommunication on what's been agreed to.  Village Mayor David Wordelmann has issued a statement clarifying where the village stands on a new, five-year agreement.  It was issued in the wake of a news report that Busti Town lawmakers approved what may have been judged to be a final contract.  However... Wordlemann says it was only a proposal on what percentage of the total cost the village... and, town would pay for. Currently... the village pays about 73-percent of the yearly costs to run the Lakewood-Busti Police Department... while the town pays about 27-percent.  Wordlemann says he spoke to the town board for about an hour at it's last meeting about the matter... and, made it clear that the village is only asking three things. And... Wordlemann says they also want assurances that the town doesn't leave the village "high and dry" on the costs... which include pension... insurance... and, other costs.  Most town and village officials agree the percentage of calls for the town in recent years has been more like 37-percent.

Olive Garden to open in Lakewood on March 25...

Possibly the most anticipated restaurant opening in many years in the Jamestown-area is now just a week-and-a-half away.  The Olive Garden... which is located next to the Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood... has set a Mar. 25 opening date.  Mayor David Wordelmann says people driving along Fairmount Avenue have had a great view of the progress.  Construction work finished a short time ago... and, Wordelmann says he got a "sneak peak" inside a couple of weeks ago with Building Inspector Charles Smith. Wordlemann says there's been a lot of "buzz" about the restaurant since the first announcement was made about Olive Garden coming to the area... and, during construction of the eatery.  Lack of any major snowstorms helped keep the project on track.