Fire destroyed garage in Kennedy...
Flames have destroyed a garage in an overnight fire on Page Road in the town of Poland. Chautauqua County fire dispatchers say Kennedy fire crews were called to the scene about 1 a.m., and, they were joined by firefighters from Frewsburgh, Falconer, Kiantone and Ellington at the scene. Officials say crews reported heavy smoke and fire on arrival. In addition... crews reported a nearby home sustained some exposure damage to one side. No one was hurt. Crews were at the scene until about 4:30 this morning... and, county fire investigators are at the scene looking for the cause.
Investigation continues into fatal car crashed in West Ellicott...
The investigation is continuing into what ended up being a fatal, one-car crash on Fairmount Avenue in West Ellicott Tuesday night. Ellicott Town Police say witnesses told them the vehicle appeared to cut across a couple of parking lots -- including the one for Brigiotta's Farmland Store -- near the city line -- just before 7 p.m. Officers say the car, driven by a 65 year-old man from Lakewood, then crossed Fairmount and struck the parked vehicle. Police say Fairmount from Chicago Avenue to the city line was closed for about two hours while the scene was cleared and investigated. No one else was hurt in the incident. The identity of the person is being withheld pending notification of family.
Jamestown woman indicted on drug trafficking charges...
A city woman faces at least 10 years in prison and a $10-million fine after being indicted on federal charges for allegedly trafficking methamphetamine from her home when three small children were present. U.S. Attorney James Kennedy, Junior says a federal grand jury handed up the indictment against 28 year-old Antasia Babcock Wednesday for narcotics conspiracy... possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine... maintaining a premises for drug use and distribution, and possessing with intent to distribute meth on premises where an individual under 18 was present and resided. Prosecutors say the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force raided Babcock's home on Wescott Street last year and found her, with the children... and seized one pound of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $62,000 in cash.
Vaccinations still increasing, but, officials would like them to improve more...
The number of COVID-19 infections in Chautauqua County and New York State as a whole, continue to improve. However... officials are still pushing to get more adults vaccinated. There were 13 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county over the past day... putting the total since the pandemic began to over 9,000 to 9,008 cases. However... there were no new deaths. Statewide... Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the infection rate dropped to 1.4-percent for the first time since last October. Cuomo says the vaccines are helping... but, more people need to walk-in to a local clinic or pharmacy and get one. He says all adults can now go to any mass vaccination site and get the shot. Cuomo says about 45-percent of the eligible population is now fully-vaccinated... while 58-percent have had at least the first shot. In Chautauqua County... the Health Department reports just over 47,000 adults... or 45-percent of those eligible... have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Just over 40,000... 38-percent... are now completely vaccinated.
Cuomo announces 100-percent MLB stadium capacity in NYS for people who are vaccinated...
The Toronto Blue Jays are returning to their home away from home -- in Buffalo -- starting in June. However... this time they'll have a limited number of fans in attendance. Forced from Canada by that government's coronavirus travel restrictions, the Blue Jays will be back at Sahlen Field, the regular home of the Blue Jays' AAA farm team. The announcement comes on the same day that Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the lifting of the 6-foot social distancing requirement at Yankees and Mets games where everyone has been vaccinated. Cuomo says there will be special seating for those people. Where people are unvaccinated... Cuomo says the 6-foot distancing requirement remains in place. As for Buffalo... which is a smaller stadium, officials said yesterday that -- with the 6-foot distancing requirement -- they can hold 24-percent of their capacity. Toronto will play it's first three homestands at it's spring training ballpark in Dunedin, Florida... then come north to Buffalo.
Rosas disappointed there will be no Chautauqua County Fair this year...
The mayor of Dunkirk is expressing his disappointment over the decision to cancel this year's Chautauqua County Fair. It's the second straight year the fair has been called off due to COVID-19 restrictions. Mayor Willie Rosas adds, though, that he understands why it was being postponed. Rosas says the event takes a lot of planning, and coordination with vendors, acts, and groups like 4-H. Meanwhile... Rosas says the city is moving ahead with plans for several summer events, including the Fourth of July fireworks display. He says it will all depend on the state.... and what's allowed at that time. Rosas is also encouraging area residents to get their COVID-19 vaccinations.
North County man arrested for alleged robbery...
A Fredonia man is facing charges after a robbery occurred on Howard Street in the north county village late Tuesday night. Fredonia Police say that 28-year-old Philip Whitfield allegedly confronted two men while they were walking on Howard Street around 11:30 p.m. Police says Whitfield reportedly made demands, and a brief struggle occured. However... one of the victims was able to call 911. After an investigation... police charged Whitfield with second-degree robbery... second-degree menacing... and, fourth-degree grand larceny. He was arraigned and is being held in the Chautauqua County Jail.
