County D.A. announces rape and sexual conduct charges against Jamestown man...
A Jamestown man faces several violent Felony charges after allegedly raping two children under the age of 17 since early 2021. Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt says 37 year-old Michael Lamb was indicted by the county grand jury on 12 counts... including four counts of predatory sexual assault against a child... and, five counts of first-degree rape. Schmidt says Lamb also faces one count of first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child... , and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. The D-A says the crimes described in the indictment are alleged to have been committed between February of 2021 and January of this year in the city. Lamb was arraigned by County Court Judge David Foley... and, pled not guilty to the charges. Foley set bail at $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond.
Gasoline prices may begin leveling off after significant increases in recent weeks...
Gasoline prices continue to rise in the Jamestown-area and country... but, AAA says the rate of increase has slowed in recent days. That from Western and Central New York AAA Spokeswoman, Elizabeth Carey, who says there are signs that gas prices could be stabilizing, as demand winds down with the end of the Summer travel season soon. However... Carey says there are couple of factors that could impact future prices at the pump. She says one is the price of crude oil, which is now just under $80 per barrel. The other is the fact it's hurricane season, and if one knocks refineries off-line, that could produce an increase. Carey says today's national average is up 7 cents from a week ago. The New York State average is up 8 cents. The local price begins the week at just under $3.96 a gallon.
Wendel says State of Emergency regarding migrants is helping prevent an emergency housing crunch...
If there was no emergency order in place regarding the migrant crisis in Chautauqua County... current issues with emergency housing would be far worse in the area. That from County Executive P.J. Wendel... who is continuing the order prohibiting hotels, and municipalities from contracting with New York City to bring migrants here. The local problem with emergency housing for the homeless, and those with mental health, and drug addition issues were recently voiced by Falconer residents to the legislature. Wendel says, though, in the case of migrants, they aren't able to work, nor receive any services. He says some members of the New York State Association of Counties recently had the chance to meet with New York City Mayor Eric Adams to try and find some common ground on answers. He says Adams had been told the migrant crisis at the border has eased somewhat. However... the mayor of the nation's largest city says they still have 500 migrants coming on buses each day. Wendel says he's also learned that... while the city says they'll pay the cost to house migrants bused upstate... that may end after four-months. He made his comments for last weekend's "Community Spotlight" on the six Media One Radio Group stations.
Firefighters respond to trailer home fire in town of Busti late Monday...
Firefighters from three south county fire departments responded to a trailer home fire in the town of Busti late Monday afternoon. Chautauqua County Fire Dispatchers say Busti firefighters were called to the location at 1151 Wellman Rd. shortly before 4 p.m., and, were joined by Celoron and Kiantone fire crews. Heavy smoke was reported by first arriving crews. No injuries were reported. The bulk of the fire was reportedly knocked down in under an hour. No other information was available last night.
Osprey rescued at Media One Studios after suffering broken wing...
These Media One Studios became the site of a dramatic raptor rescue Monday morning. Our Dennis Webster stepped out onto the patio just before 5 a.m. to check the weather... and, found a large bird hopping about, but unable to fly. I t was an osprey with a broken wing. Station manager Andrew Hill configured a protective box to cover the bird. Experienced and licensed animal rescue specialist Cheryl Burns of Emusing Wildlife got word of the bird... and arrived with a blanket and a strategy. Burns says you have to watch out for the bird's powerful talons used to hunt and grab fish from the water. Right behind her was Sandra Emke of TSE Wildlife Center with her intern, Kadance. The group surrounded the osprey. Cheryl executed her plan and the bird was caught, with no injury to either. Sandra Emke said the osprey will need expert care... and, will likely be send to a special facility in the Buffalo-area.
City man arrested following fight, and for stealing purse...
A domestic dispute involving a fight on Jamestown's westside late last Friday has led to the arrest of a 19 year-old city man. Jamestown Police say they were called to the area of West Fifth Street and Mechanics Alley shortly after 5 p.m., and, saw 19 year-old Kayin Ziolkowski arguing with another man. Ziolkowski was continuing to show aggressive behavior and started moving towards the other male when officers tried to detain him. Police say he bagan pulling away... and, after a brief struggle... Ziolkowski was taken into custody. They later learned that he had a domestic dispute with a female victim... and, grabbed her purse before running off. He's charged with third-degree robbery and resisting arrest.
