City man receives five-years in state prison for July robbery at Kwik Fill station...
A Jamestown man has been sentenced to five-years in state prison after being convicted of second-degree robbery for a hold-up at a northside gas station. Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt says he's pleased that 33 year-old James Hayes received the sentence... and another five-years post-release supervision by County Court Judge David Foley. Hayes was initially arrested following the July 31 armed robbery at the Kwik Fill station and convenience store on Fluvanna Avenue. He was initially charged with first-degree robbery... second-degree Grand Larceny... and, second-degree menacing. Police accused Hayes of pointing a handgun at the store clerk. He pled guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree robbery in September. Schmidt thanked the Jamestown Police Department for their hard work on the case.
Sheridan man arrested on Child Porn charge...
A north county man is accused of being in possession of child pornography following an investigation at his South Roberts Road home in the town of Sheridan. Sheriff's officers initially responded to the location last July on a report that 43 year-old Michael Werts had the child porn in his home. Deputies say their Criminal Investigation Division investigated... and, Werts Wednesday was issued an appearance ticket for Sheridan Town Court on a charge of possessing a sexual performance by a child.
Sen. Schumer announces $983,000 for home energy efficiency program for Jamestown homes...
The city of Jamestown is receiving nearly one-million dollars from the federal Inflation Reduction Act to help lower utility costs for local residents... and, modernize homes in underserved neighborhoods. That from U.S. Senator Charles Schumer... who announced the nearly 983-thousand dollar grant m from the Environmental Protection Agency’s "Environmental Justice Government-to-Government" to increase energy efficiency in homes. The New York Democrat says "more energy efficient housing and lower utility costs will soon be heading to homes across Jamestown thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act." The Senate Majority Leader says cities "like Jamestown" topped the list of places that could benefit from the funding. Mayor Eddie Sundquist says "the alternative energy upgrades provided to the selected homes through this initiative will serve as a valuable starting point in the city’s ongoing efforts to achieve environmental justice for our most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents. These upgraded, weatherized homes will be offered through a non-traditional home buyers’ program that will not only lead to increased neighborhood renewal efforts, but also provide measurable results from both a public health and environmental perspective.”
Surdyk describes how 19A Homeowners program will market and sell homes under the program...
First-time homebuyers who take part in the city of Jamestown's new "19A" home program will have some requirements in order to purchase and keep their homes. That from City Development Director Crystal Surdyk... who was on hand for Tuesday's announcement that four homes are now in line for rehabilitation work... and, be put on the market. Surdyk also says the homes will be priced on a few factors... including one in particular -- that being the fair market value of the home. She says they want the people looking to buy those homes to complete a "first-time homebuyer" program... and, adds that there are already people in the First-Time Homebuyer programs at Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corporation... and, Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. Surdyk says they'll also take into account the amount of rehabilitation work that needs to be done... and, it's cost. City Council Housing Committee Chairwoman Marie Carrubba says "this is a true win-win for all parties involved. This is an opportunity for new homebuyers to invest and own a home in Jamestown."
Gillibrand says she's "not optimistic" about new House Speaker working in bi-partisan manner...
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand says she's not optimistic about the direction the House of Representatives is taking with the election of new Speaker Mike Johnson. The Louisiana Republican was elected last week after three weeks of acrimony among the GOP over who should lead their slim majority. Gillibrand, a New York Democrat, says Johnson is already making waves by proposing taking $14.3-billion from the IRS and using to support Israel in it's fight against Hamas. She says... given the chaos of the past month... and, the proposal he's made that "he wants to govern." The measure also would not address the war in Ukraine... along with threats to Taiwan and the South Pacific. Gillibrand echoed the White House's sentiment the proposal is a "non-starter..." and, added it's also a -- "stupid idea." She says doing this would not support the spending because the IRS would not be able to fully do it's job. Gillibrand made her comments during a recent video press conference with state-wide media.
Santos survives expulsion vote in the House...
Congressman George Santos has easily survived a vote to expel him from the House of Representatives as most Republicans opted to withhold punishment as both his criminal trial and a House Ethics Committee investigation proceed. The effort to kick Santos out of the House was led by his fellow New York Republicans -- including local Congressman Nick Langworthy. They are anxious to distance themselves from a colleague infamous for fabricating his life story... and accused of stealing from donors, lying to Congress and receiving unemployment benefits he did not deserve. However... the vast majority of Republicans and more than 30 Democrats have voted against expelling Santos. The final vote was 179 for expulsion and 213 against.
