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WJTN News Headlines

Chautauqua County's three Department of Motor Vehicle offices are back up and operating normally after a computer glitch disrupted the new, state-wide system during the day Monday.  That from Deputy County Clerk Tracie Haskins... who says transactions were at a stand-still by early Monday afternoon.  Haskins says problems were still "intermittent" Tuesday morning... but, by about 2:30 PM... operations were all back to normal.  She says it was a "hectic" day-and-a-half... but, expressed her appreciation to the patience of their customers.The breakdown Monday affected license and registration renewals... and, the ability of police to check motorists' records.  The agency says the problem developed after a mainframe server was upgraded Sunday and tested properly... but, couldn't handle the load of actual business Monday morning.  A DMV spokesman says the system is being monitored... and, Haskins says the agency will make allowances for anyone who missed a deadline due to the problem.  The problem involved all state-operated DMV offices... as well as the local offices.  The state DMV hasn't said if it's identified the cause.

 

For the first time in many years... the Chautauqua County Jail is filled to capacity and has had to board out inmates to surrounding counties.  Sheriff Joe Gerace... who oversees the County Jail... says the population at the Mayville facility has topped the 300 mark several times this summer. Gerace says he is asking the county's elected leaders to form another task force to look at the issue of jail overcrowding. The Sheriff hopes a task force can be formed soon... and, work can begin on some alternatives.  The most recent Jail expansion occurred in 2007 with the addition of two pods containing 48 beds each.

 

A Mayville man is jailed on 20-thousand dollars bail for allegedly stealing a coin collection from a village home last December 13th.  Sheriff's Deputies say they completed a several-month investigation into the theft at 162 Sea Lion Drive with the arrest of 24 year-old Randall Rothwell, Junior of West Marvin Street.  Officers say Rothwell entered the home... and, stayed there long enough to steal the coin collection... then took it to the city of Jamestown... where a large number of them were cashed-in for dollars... and, the other ones were taken to a local pawn shop for money.  Officers were able to recover some of the coins.  Rothwell was arrested... and, arraigned on one count of second-degree burglary.  He was then sent to the county lock-up.  Deputies say the investigation is continuing... and, more arrests are expected.

 

The Jamestown Fire Department is a step closer to having a new pumper truck to replace an old one that's past it's life expectancy.  City lawmakers Monday night agreed to buy the vehicle using just over 397-thousand dollars in federal Homeland Security Funds.  The City Council voted unanimously to have Mayor Sam Teresi contract with 4 Guys Stainless Tank and Equipment of Pennsylvania to build the new vehicle.  Acting Council President Tony Dolce says... if they didn't get the grant... it would have been a major expense for the city. Dolce says they're keeping their fingers crossed because they will need an extention to be able to use the Assistance to Firefighter's grant.  That's because they were notified last Spring that they had received the grant... but, the grant was awarded nine days earlier.  That meant the city had to take delivery of the truck within one calendar year of the time approved.  However... fire officials say -- given the circumstances -- they believe FEMA will grant an extention.

       

The Jamestown City Council Monday night also approved applying to the state for two grants to help move the city's Riverwalk Project forward.  Acting Council President Tony Dolce says the first grant application will be made to the New York State Regional Economic Development Council.  Dolce says the second will be for funds from the state's Transportation Enhancement Program.  He says that money will be specifically for the city's Jones and Gifford Redevelopment Project. The resolution applying for funds from the Economic Development Council will be used to complete the northside of the Riverwalk behind the Gateway Train Station... and, connect it by a bridge to the southside.  The Jones and Gifford project would connect the Riverwalk to the boat landing.

 

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is sending an early warning that state government's long-term finances rely on one-shot revenue raisers... and some temporary tax increases.  DiNapoli also says that the 2014 election year budget will appear better because of some sleight of hand.  Tuesday's fiscal year report shows the state's short-term outlook has clearly improved under Governor Cuomo and the Legislature.  But... DiNapoli warns projected 2-billion dollar deficits in coming years could balloon to 6-billion.