City lawmakers approve $5.44-million in ARPA Projects...
The Jamestown City Council has approved several resolutions to get American Rescue Plan Act funding out the door. However... four of last night's 19 ARPA-related measure were defeated... three by tie votes. Sixth-Ward Councilman Andrew Faulker voted 'no' on each of those, and some others that did pass. Faulkner says he was concerned about some duplication... and, wanting to hold back on funding two programs for $1-million. He urged those to be cut back to $500,000... and they were. Faulkner says those funds can be replenished later if there's a need. Those two items included creation of a Building and Property Infrastructure Improvement... and, Equipment and Machinery Upgrades Programs. Council President Tony Dolce there was also some concern voiced over having the Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency, and Local Development Corporation overseeing some of those. Dolce pointed out there are three council members -- including himself -- on the JLDC Board. One resolution establishing a Restaurant and Retail Assistance Program had been approved last month... and, was pulled from the agenda. The measures approved by lawmakers totaled $5.44-million.
County Fair back for 2022, but, will be a Tuesday through Sunday event...
The Chautauqua County Fair will be back this year after a two-year absense due to the COVID-19 pandemic... and, with a couple of changes. That from Fair Board President Dave Wilson... who confirmed the event will begin on Tues., July 19. Wilson says they're starting the fair on a Tuesday this year because their amusement contractor is not able to start that Monday. He says they'll have the same ride company, Powers and Thomas, providing the rides. Wilson says they weren't sure -- at first -- if they would be coming back. New York state allowed county fairs to operate again last year in late spring... but, Wilson says there wasn't enough time to get their fair together. While the dates aren't set in stone at this point... their Grandstand events -- beginning on Wednesday night, July 20 -- are. He says a band from Puerto Rico will start things off... then the annual Tractor Pull will be Thursday night. There'll be a demolition derby on Friday... and Saturday will be a horsepulling show. Another demolition derby will be held on Sunday.
Wendel says consultant hired to investigate Lake District should have results by this time next year...
Chautauqua County officials hope to have more clarity on what a Lake District may look like by this time next year. The county legislature recently approved hiring the engineering firm Barton & LoGuidice to investigate whether a user fee system... or property tax payers should support the district and it's programs. County Executive P.J. Wendel says officials with Barton & LoGuidice told the county they could do their evaluation in 12-months. Wendel says there could be a boat use tax, or there could be a taxing district. He and county leaders have been criticized over looking into the district because they're just "looking at imposing another tax." He says that's not the case, but, says they need some dedicated funding for the upkeep of Chautauqua, and possibility other lakes in the county. Wendel says they want that funding to stay with "lake operations." The idea of a Lake District has been discussed for several years now... but, this will be the first evaluation done on the concept.
Fredonia police still investigating one stabbing, and on other injury during violent fight at village night spot...
Two people were hurt during a "violent altercation" at a bar in the village of Fredonia early Sunday morning. Fredonia Police say officers responded to the incident around 2 a.m. at Sunny's Tavern at 43 Water St. and a crowd had gathered outside on Canadaway Street. Fredonia Police Chief David Price says that two victims were treated by the Fredonia Fire Department and transported to Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk. One of the victim's refused medical attention and was released with minor injuries. The second victim was treated for stab wounds received in an altercation inside the bar at the dance floor. The second victim was treated and released from the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Price says the investigation is ongoing... and, anyone with information is asked to call Fredonia Police at 679-1531.
Hochul touts budget, new Bills stadiu in Buffalo appearance...
Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the recently enacted 2023 New York state budget during a visit to Buffalo Monday. Among the projects highlighted, the controversial stadium deal for the Buffalo Bills... which she says will keep the Bills in the Buffalo-area for the next 30 years. Hochul says the $1.4-billion project is about more than keeping the team, and economic boost it provides on Sundays. She says it'll create about 10,000 new construction jobs. Also among the highlights in the $221-billion budget, says Hochul, is $41.8-million for rehabing three bridges that carry Interstate 86 across Chautauqua Lake.
Man from Mayville arrested for DWAI with child in the vehicle...
A Mayville man has been arrested for allegedly driving while under the influence of drugs with a child in the vehicle Sunday night. Sheriff's officers say 30 year-old Matthew Buck was stopped following a vehicle complaint on West Lake Road in the village about 8:30 p.m. Buck failed sobriety tests... and, was arrested and charged after being evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert. He was issued appearance ticket for Aggravated DWI - Child in Vehicle... and, driving while ability impaired by drugs.
