Wendel scores convincing win in Chautauqua County Exec's race...
It was a big night for Republicans across Chautauqua County... winning the county executive and clerk's races... and, increasing their majority on the county legislature. Incumbant Republican County Executive PJ Wendel was a big winner Tuesday night... receiving 72% of the vote over Democratic challenger Norm Green... who garnered 23%. Wendel, whose from Lakewood, says to win again is humbling... and, he says what he's been able to do in two years is a small sample of what he'd like to do the "next four years." Green, who is also chairman of the county's Democratic Committee, congratulated Wendel on his win. The former County Elections Commissioner said his campaign got out-worked. He says they brought up the issues, and believes they got their message out, but, it didn't work out. Wendel tallied 17,455 votes to Green's 5,516.
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Republicans also won another seat on the Chautauqua County Legislature by reclaiming the District 11 seat in Jamestown. Past legislator David Wilfong won big over incumbant Democrat Robert Whitney, 534-to-328. In District 12... incumbant Republican Elizabeth Rankin doubled the vote against challenger Heather Fagan, a Democrat... 614-to-307. The GOP now enjoys a 15-to-4 supermajority on the legislature.
Barmore wins third-term as County Clerk...
The other county-wide race found incumbant Chautauqua County Clerk Larry Barmore winning big over Democrat David Salley, 68% to 25%. Barmore, a Republican, says he worked hard to win a third-term in office... and, campaigned on what he had done, and was planning to do in the next four years. He says he will continue to find ways to save his office, and it's five departments, money. Barmore adds he's looking to increase ways to boost revenues in the coming year... especially at the Department of Motor Vehicles by getting more people to renew licenses, and registrations locally. He wound up 16,505 votes to David Salley's 6,192.
Jamestown Repubicans add to their majority on the City Council...
The slim Republican majority on the Jamestown City Council just got bigger. With Tuesday's results... the GOP unofficially has a 7-to-2 majority after sweeping the three at-large seats... and winning the Ward-6 race with a young newcomer. Andrew Faulkner defeated incumbant Democratic Tom Nelson, 305-to-243. Republicans could also win the Ward-3 race. Democrat Regina Brackman holds a slim, 159-to-148 lead over Robert Reedy, Jr. That race will likely go to absentee ballots. Republican Randy Daversa won the open at-large seat... joining Kim Ecklund and Jeff Russell.. who were re-elected convincingly. Incumbant Republicans Brent Sheldon and Tony Dolce ran unopposed.
City man arrested for illegal gun possession, as well as high-capacity clips...
A Jamestown man was arrested Monday night following a traffic stop in the city's eastside for allegedly being found in possession of guns and narcotic drugs. City police say a patrolman was in the area of Thayer and Falconer Streets about 9 PM when he stopped a car driven by 33 year-old Steven Mojica-Medina. Officers say they found Mojica-Medina in possession of a drum-style magazine for a 9-mm pistol in his sweatshirt pocket. Police then searched the car... and, found a 9-mm Glock pistol... six high-capacity magazines... cocaine packaged for sale, and more than $1,000 in cash. Officers say the magazines were filled with different amounts of ammunition. Mojica-Medina was arrested for third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... second-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, possession of a large capacity feeding device.
Two city residents arrested on drug and weapons charges during raid...
Two Jamestown residents face drug and weapons possession charges following a raid on an upstairs apartment on the city's eastside Monday afternoon. Members of the Jamestown Metro, and Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Forces executed a search warrant about 3:30 p.m. on the apartment at 15 Winsor St. with the help of the JPD SWAT Team. Police say they took the two residents -- 26 year-old James Eastham and 23 year-old Amber Eaton -- into custody. Officers found a quantity of Fentanyl, packaging materials, scales, money, brass knuckles, ammunition... along with a loaded shotgun... 22 calibur rifle... 380-calibur pistol... and, 22 calibur handgun. Police say they believe the shot-gun was used by Eastham to threaten a person outside his apartment earlier in the week. Both face charges including third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, two counts each of second, and third-degree criminal posession of a weapon. Eastham is also charged with second-degree menacing. Both were taken to the city jail pending arraignment.
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Jamestown police say they have been targeting people using violence and intimidation against others in the city... and, during targeted patrols, drug investigaion, and working with other law enforcement partners... have seized 8 handguns... one shotgun and a rifle in the past 10 days. Officials say their efforts will continue in the wake of recent shooting and other incidents.
JCC hands out Hamilton Award two long time administrators and instructors...
The Jamestown Community College Foundation has presented its highest award to a couple who together have given 79 years to the college. Dr. Marilyn Zagora and Robert Oddy received the John D. Hamilton Award in a ceremony Tuesday night. Oddy is a retired administrator and faculty member at JCC. Dr. Zagora currently serves as the Vice President of Acadmic Affairs at the school. She says JCC had been the ideal place for them to be because they could work with students to help them become all they could be. Also honored at the celebration in Celoron... were three recipients of the Distinguished Alumus Award: Dr. Eric Arnone of Western New York Urology... Katie Russo, the principal at Lincoln Elementary School... and Christie Brock, an active volunteer and business person in Olean.
