City police arrest Jamestown woman for domestic shooting incident...
A Jamestown woman has been arrested for allegedly shooting a man in the chest during a domestic incident at a westside home late last Saturday night. Jamestown police were called to the unidentified address shortly before 11 p.m. for a reported shooting. Officers say they found the male victim inside the home with a gunshot wound. Police identified the suspect as 55 year-old Lasean Johnson... and, found the gun at the scene. Johnson was arrested for first-degree assault... and, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. She was taken to the city jail pending arraignment. There has been no information provided on the victim.
County leaders praise response to Colony Motel fire...
Elected officials from in an around the Jamestown-area are praising first responders for the job they did with last week's massive fire that destroyed the Colony Motel in West Ellicott. County Executive P.J. Wendel... who is still a volunteer with the Lakewood Fire Department... noted that it was an "all-hands" on deck situation early last Tuesday morning. Wendel says 14 different fire departments from both Chautauqua County and northwestern Pa. responded, along with county EMS, and even the interim Health Director. Wendel... who was a teacher in the Falconer School District for many years... talked about how he would drive by the motel just about every day. He praised the firefighters who stayed at the scene for the better part of 12 hours that day... and, then responded again just before Midnight for a re-kindle. County Legislator Elizabeth Rankin says her uncle owned the motel on Fairmount Avenue for a time... and, the Jamestown Republican said it's a piece of "family history that we've lost." Republican Legislator Lisa Vanstrom lives in West Ellicott... and, thanked Johnny's Lunch, Tim Horton's and Farm Fresh Foods for donating food to the volunteers.
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The Colony Motel fire broke out just after 5:30 a.m. Tuesday... and fully engulfed the central part of the structure before spreading to the room wings on each side. What was left of the building was torn down later in the day... and, the cause remains under investigation.
City man arrested following domestic violence incident last Friday...
A Jamestown man faces a number of charges following an alleged domestic incident early last Friday morning on the city's southside. Jamstown police were called to the scene about 7:45 p.m., and found 31 year-old Brandon Hogue and the female victim outside their home. Officers say their investigation showed that Hogue had taken the woman's phone when she tried to call 911... and, he then laid on top of her... and, restrained her. Police say he also covered her mouth and nose, making it difficult for her to breathe. While on scene... officers found the residence -- which is shared by Hogue, the female victim, and three children under the age of 17 -- was in a deplorable condition. Hogue was arrested for second-degre unlawful imprisonment... criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation... fourth-degree criminal mischief... and, three counts of endangering the Welfare of a Child. Hogue was held pending arraignment... and, more charges are pending.
Ribbon is cut on new Vitality Natural Health and Wellness in Lakewood...
It’s become a familiar sound, as the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce got out the giants scissors for its 63rd ribbon cutting of the year last Friday… this one near the clock tower on Chautauqua Avenue in Lakewood. It marked the grand opening of the Vitality Natural Health and Wellness Center at the former Lakewood Apothecary. The business is now owned by Dr. Melissa Dengler who intends to follow in the path of the previous owner, Jim Rovegno, with the same staff. Dengler says the staff is very helpful in directing customers to what they want and need. She also has locations in Meadville and Grove City, Pa... and, is trained as a naturopathic doctor... specializing in homeopathic and herbal medicine, and lifestyle modifications. Vitality Natural Health and Wellness will be open Monday through Friday from 9 to 6 and Saturdays from 9 to 2.
Prendergast Library in Jamestown receives Historic Marker...
One of the city of Jamestown's oldest buildings and institutions has been recognized with an Historic Marker. City officials... and, officials with the James Prendergast Library... joined together last Friday to unveil the city's 79th marker on the West Fifth Street side of the library. Mayor Eddie Sundquist pointed out the library has been an important "community space" for some 132 years. City Historian Ashley Senske noted that the James Prendergast the library is named after was not Jamestown's founder... but, his grandson. Senske says... before he died at the age of 31... the younger Prendergast said in a memorandum wanted his business proceeds to be used for a "free library." She says that was not common... especially in this region... at that time. Senske says the library was originally built on that site in 1891... several years after the younger Prendergast died in 1879. She adds that... a short time after James Prendergast wrote about wanting to someday establish a "free" library... they began to be popular in the late 19th Century. One person who later helped establish one in the U.S. was Andrew Carnegie.
