Local, state and federal agencies respond to report of person overboard on Lake Erie near Ripley...
A search is underway today for a person who fell overboard from a charter boat on Lake Erie near Ripley.  The incident was first reported shortly before 8:30 a.m. this morning... according to the Chautauqua County Emergency Dispatch Center.  A number of agencies are involved in the search, including the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office Navigation Unit, Chautauqua County Emergency Services, the U-S Coast Guard out of Erie, Pa., and, a Coast Guard helicopter out of Detroit.  We'll have more details when they become available.

Sheriff's office continuing investigation into fatal shooting in Sinclairville...
The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate a deadly shooting that occurred near the intersection of Reed and Park Streets in the village of Sinclairville.  Sheriff Jim Quattrone says Sheriff's deputies responded to the call shortly after 7:30 pm Tuesday evening when a dispute took place... and, two people got into a truck and drove away.  However... the pick-up wound up in a field about a quarter of a mile away, and the driver was unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the lower back area.  Quattrone says his office is working with the Chautauqua County District Attorneys Office, interviewing all of the individuals who involved in the incident.  The investigation is also continuing in the area of the shooting incident.  The victim's name has not been released at this time.

Westfield man arrested for allegedly being involved in a fight...
A fight in the town of Westfield on the morning of the Fourth of July has sent a Westfield man to the county jail.  Sheriff's Deputies were called to the scene about 6:15 a.m. last Sunday... and, resulted in the arrest of 25 year-old Andrew Harris for fourth-degree criminal mischief.  Harris was taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment.

Lakewood Village Board to hold special meeting on EMS billing tonight...
Another community in Chautauqua County is looking at how to bill insurance for EMS Services provided by the local fire department.  The Lakewood Village Board will hold a special meeting tonight at 7 p.m. in the board room at Village Hall to get public input on the best way to do that.  Mayor Randy Holcomb says the board set the meeting at it's June 27th meeting... and, they will continue discussion that began at that meeting.  Holcomb says they hope to make a decision tonight, or at least make movement in that direction.  He says two possible scenarios would have the village try to bill for services itself... or do it through a billing entity.  However... they'll look at all possibilities. 

Heritage announces Bemus Point resident is new CFO...
A Bemus Point man has been named as the new Chief Financial Officer for Heritage Ministries... which operates three skilled nursing facilities in the Jamestown-area.  Heritage President and Chief Executive Officer Lisa Haglund has announced the hiring of Paul DeSantis... who comes to Heritage with a qualified background including nearly two decades in healthcare and financial management, most recently serving as the CFO at a large healthcare institution in Western New York State.  In his role as Chief Financial Officer at Heritage... Haglund says DeSantis will be responsible for the oversight of all financial operations locally, and affiliates nationwide.  He has a Masters Degree in Health Services Administration... and, is involved with a number of organizations, and boards... including the Chautauqua County Health Network... Great Lakes Health Network.  He is also a Little League baseball coach, and Junior Olympic wrestling coach.

McEntire to hold special organ recital Friday night...
This Friday night the music minister at St. Luke's Episcopal Church will play an organ recital featuring music by Cesar Franck.  Ron McEntire says he hopes to play all of Franck's major organ works this year on the newly renovated instrument at St. Luke's.  His plans took an unexpected turn in mid-May when he woke up one day... unable to read or even use a phone.  Doctors determined he had 'glio blastoma multeform.'  McEntire's oldest son died of the same type of cancer at age 42.  Despite the devastating diagnosis, he remains optimistic... noting that he's done a lot in his 72 years.  But, he adds at some point, you have to pass the torch and says it's time for someone else to do it.  McEntire's had brain surgery.... with chemo-therapy and radiation to follow.  Though he still can't read words, he can read music... and hopes for a good crowd when he plays Friday night at 7 p.m. at St. Luke's Church at Fourth and Main Streets in Jamestown.  The concert is free to attend.

NYC boosts starting wages for Lifeguards with nationwide shortage...
Starting wages for lifeguards in New York City will be $19.46 an hour this summer under an agreement reached with the lifeguard union.  Under the deal announced Wednesday by Mayor Eric Adams... a retention bonus will be awarded in September for those lifeguards who work every week through the summer season.  A new training program will also be developed to fully staff 17 mini pools throughout the city.  But... Adams stressed that while the changes are a step in the right direction, the city's ability to safely open beaches and pools has been impacted by the national lifeguard shortage.  That shortage is being felt here in Chautauqua County.