City police ask public's help in finding teen with autism...
Jamestown Police are looking for the public's help in locating a teenaged boy who is considered a missing endangered person with autism. Officers say 18 year-old Zachary Hamby is described as a white male with brown hair and hazel eyes.... who was last seen this past Monday, October 2nd in the city. If you see Zachary, or have information on his whereabouts, you're asked to call Jamestown Police at 483-7537.
Legislature Democrats propose using another $1-mill. in fund balance to lower tax levy increase in 2024 budget...
Democrats in the Chautauqua County Legislature are calling for using another $1-million from the fund balance in next year's budget to offset any increase in the tax levy. Jamestown Democrat Tom Nelson has signed onto the measure... and, says the move would relieve some of the burden on "overtaxed" property owners. Nelson says the county's fund balance is reported to be about $37-million. He says the State Comptroller's Office says it should be about $14-million... and, he feels they could "responsibly do that" and still have enough in their rainy day fund. The $1-million addition to the budget would cover all but $800,000 of the tax levy increase. Nelson says some of the rest would be handled by eliminatation of the new Media Information Officer's position. Democrats believe that move would save about $100,000. Nelson says that may seem strange coming from Democrats... but, adds that county taxpayers could use a break... and, the county can afford to provide a little more tax relief. Wendel's $294-million tentative budget cuts the tax rate by 89-cents per $1,000 full value... is being reviewed by lawmakers this week.
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On Thursday... County Executive Wendel responded to the Democrat's proposal, calling it "very misleading." The full story and his comments tomorrow.
Ghostfish Brewing opens up new, East Coast location at Grape Discover Center in Westfield...
There’s a new brewery that's located in the Grape Discovery Center in Westfield... and, it's producing some of the hottest brews on the market. The ribbon has been cut on the new east coast processing and distribution center for Seattle-based Ghostfish Brewing Company... which is now in full production. To celebrate, company representatives and area officials gathered late last week for a special ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted by the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, Mark Geise, says inside it's new location, Ghostfish Brewing Company “East” is now brewing its No. 1 top seller -- Grapefruit IPA... along with Kick Step IPA... and, Lunar Harvest. Officials with Ghostfish say they're also on the way to brewing all seven of its flagship brands. Brewmaster James Maxson says GBC East is a dedicated, 100% gluten-free focused brewery.
Hochul announces Cannabis Market expansion...
Governor Kathy Hochul had announced the largest expansion of New York State’s legal cannabis market so far... with hundreds of licenses being made available to individuals and businesses interested in legally growing, processing, distributing, and selling cannabis. The application period is now open... and, will remain so for two months. The Governor also announced the results of continued aggressive enforcement against the illegal sale of cannabis across the state undertaken by the Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Taxation and Finance. So far... Hochul says that effort has yielded the seizure of more than 8,500 pounds of illicit product with an estimated street value of more than $42-million. She also announced new partnerships with localities that will enable them to pursue padlocking orders against businesses illegally selling cannabis from State courts, and a new multi-agency initiative to target illegal operators for labor violations. Hochul says that involves significantly increasing fines and penalties that businesses may face. She says "we know there's room for improvement as New York works to launch a brand-new cannabis industry and crack down on illicit operators, and I'm committed to working with all stakeholders to get the job done right."
City woman arrested for alleged robbery of necklace from person wearing it...
A woman from Jamestown is accused of grabbing another woman's necklace from around her neck... and, injuring the victim. City police were called to the scene -- near the corner of Allen and English Streets -- shortly after Midnight Wednesday -- to talk with a person who was being harassed. Officers say their investigation found that 35 year-old Jennifer Allen had walked up to the victim... and, forcibly took the necklace from her. Allen is also accused of injuring the other woman's neck. Police found Allen a short time later... and she was arrested for second-degree robbery... petty larceny... second-degree assault... and, fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. She was jailed pending arraignment.
Health Care coverage "Open Enrollment" to start shortly...
New York health experts are preparing people for the health-care coverage open-enrollment period. Between 2010 and 2021, the number of New Yorkers without health insurance declined from almost 12% to a little more than 5%. As people consider their coverage... Stacy Villagran with the Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York says people need to be aware that Medicaid’s auto renewal ended with the public health emergency. That's because everyone the past three-years were "auto renewed." Villagran adds that people need to be cognizant of any notices they receive from their local Department of Social Services... or New York State of Health. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports more than 338,000 people have been disenrolled, while around 654,000 had their coverage renewed.
