Reward for information leading to Burham's arrest more than doubled as manhunt enters sixth day...
Authorities have raised the ante in the manhunt for accused murderer Michael Burham in northwestern Pennsylvania. State Police yesterday announced that Pennsylvania State Crimestoppers has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the 34 year-old Burham's capture. That's been added to Warren County Crimestoppers $2,000... and, the $7,500 by the U.S. Marshalls Service. Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens Tuesday reiterated the need for residents to stay vigliant... secure items, and lock your doors. If you seen anything... you're now asked to call the Pennsylvania State Police Command Post Tip Line at 717-265-9650 or 717-265-9651. Investigators believe Burham has been able to stockpile some items he needs to keep alive in the wilderness areas of Warren County... they also haven't discounted the fact he may be getting some help. Burham is the prime suspect in the shooting death of Jamestown's Kala Hodgkin back on May 11.
Warren Co. Board of Commissioner's to meet on contracting with Pa. DOC to do full evaluation of jail and it's operations...
Fugitive Michael Burham's escape from the Warren County Jail will be the focus of today's regular meeting of the Warren County Board of Commissioners. In a press release... Commissioner Jeff Eggleston said the board, along with the Prison board, have now met to discuss and review data from Burham's escape. Eggleston says -- "multiple law enforcement agencies are conducting criminal investigations related to the escape, which has slowed our ability to provide information or react to policy and facility concerns." He adds the commissioners and Prison Board's goal is to support all investigations into the escape, and see that they come to a complete conclusion. The commissioners say some short-term changes have already been made to the jail... including repairs to the roof of the prison yard... and, they have ordered the space "be augmented with deterrents and safety measures, and that the exercise equipment be removed and replaced with equipment that does not provide access to higher positions in the facility."
Wendel taps Jennifer Swan to be new county budget director...
A familiar face in Chautauqua County government has been hired to be the county's new Budget director. County Executive P-J Wendel says they have hired Sheriff's Office budget chief Jennifer Swan to replace Kathleen Dennison... who retired earlier this year. Wendel adds that Swan follows in Dennison's footsteps because the retired director also previously worked with the Sheriff's Department. He says Swan stood out because she's shown a commitment to the county in her work. Swan previously worked with the Gebbie Foundation before being hired by former Sheriff Joe Gerace. Wendel says... with Swan moving over to be the county's Budget Director... his administration will go full speed ahead on joining the budget and finance departments as part of a finance reorganization. Wendel says Swan is expected to begin her new duties on Thursday, July 27.
Sundquist in D.C. with 15 other mayors in U.S. for "Good jobs, Great Cities" Academy...
Jamestown top-elected official has joined with 15 of his counterparts from across the country for a two-day, workforce development gathering in the nation's capitol. Earlier this year... Jamestown was chosen to be part of the "Good Jobs, Great Cities" Academy this week in Washington, D.C. It's a joint effort by the Biden Administration and the National League of Cities to bring together ideas for getting more people into the workforce. That from Acting Labor Secretary, Julie Su. Sundquist says he's excited to be part of the program's first academy... and, he looks forward to being part of an effort to improve workforce development. The two-day academy runs through today. Sundquist talked about Jamestown's evolution from the "furniture making capitol..." to more of a manufacturing base... and says there are a number of open positions that those 200 manufacturers need to have filled. He says it's more important now than ever for local communities to provide the means for workers to find employment... and, employers to find good, skilled workers.
Local male in town of Chautauqua found with only minor injuries...
Chautauqua County Sheriff's officers were able to find a man Tuesday afternoon -- with the help of their K-9 -- after he got lost in a heavily-wooded area of the Town of Chautauqua. Officers say the male called the dispatch center about 2:30 p.m., and, were able to determine he was in the area of Bloomer Rd. In an attempt to locate the man... Sheriff’s K-9 "Drake" was deployed into the woods and was able to get an "air scent" of the male... and, he was found about a half mile from the roadway. He had only minor injuries and did not require treatment.
Heitzenrater urges local residents to shop local, and in-person this Summer...
Major retailers such as Amazon, Target and Wal-Mart are beginning to roll out discounts for their online summer sales. And while it's tempting to take advantage of those deals... a local business association is encouraging residents to skip the on-line hype and shop locally whenever possible. Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dan Heitzenrater says doing so will have a greater impact on your community... because those revenues stay in the community. He says a 2019 study showed that local retailers return 52% of their revenue back into the local economy, compared to just 14% for national chain retailers.
