Two men -- one from Jamestown -- face new indictments for operating alleged narcotics ring...
Two men -- one from Jamestown and the other from Buffalo -- have been indicted by a federal grand jury on additional charges for allegedly running a norcotics ring in the city. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross has announced that the panel has filed a second superseding indictment charging 39 year-old Joseph Zaso of Buffalo... and, 31 year-old Kyle Lewis of Jamestown. Ross says Zaso is charged with brandishing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and document concealment of material fact... for allegedly lying on his monthly probation reports while under the supervision of U.S. Probation... and, he now faces a mandatory life sentence. Lewis is now charged with narcotics conspiracy and faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. Zaso is accused of conspiring with Lewis and others to sell heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, utilizingtwo homes in Jamestown and one in Buffalo for their drug trafficking activities. Zaso is also accused of selling heroin to an individual that caused serious bodily injury.
Lutheran announces it's nursing and rehabiltation facility will close by early 2024...
A long-standing nursing and rehabilitation facility in Jamestown will be closing at the beginning of 2024 in the wake of lower resident numbers during and coming out of the COVID-19 Pandemic. In a statement issued earlier today... Lutheran Social Services of Upstate New York announced the move... which officials say will impact 49 residents... and, 106 full and part-time employees. Lutheran President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Holt says, though, the decision "does not impact current housing and care at either Hultquist Place Assisted Living or Edgewood Communities." Holt says the closure has been filed with the state Department of Health.... and, will include the permanent closing of the Warner Place Adult Day Care. He says local skilled nursing facilities have been running at an average 65% occupancy rate... which is "significantly lower" than the optimum 90% to 95% needed to maintain financial sustainability. Four years ago... Holt says Lutheran was operating at this optimum occupancy rate, but, that's no longer the case. Lutheran’s Home and Rehabilitation Program capacity is 148 beds. Holt says the closure date is next Jan. 2, or earlier pending the discharge date of the last resident. Holt adds that they are working with the state Health Department "to ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible. Our top priority is to work with every resident, their families and our valued employees, to secure new housing options, care and job placement."
Schmidt says he's still awaiting lab testing results before taking Burham case to Grand Jury...
Now that murder suspect Michael Burham has pleaded guilty to felony kidnapping and escape charges in Pennsylvania... it's now being asked how soon will he be tried in Chautauqua County in the shooting death of a Jamestown woman. District Attorney Jason Schmidt says he is still awaiting the result of an FBI crime lab analysis of evidence in the case against the 35 year-old Burham. Schmidt says they rely on the state crime lab in Albany, as well as the lab in Erie County. He says they will also rely on the FBI lab as well, sometimes. Schmidt adds that he would like to begin presenting the case to a grand jury "soon." He says he's concerned that he hasn't yet received some of the lab analysis he need's to move forward. Burham, who is a native of Ashville, is the primary suspect in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Kala Hodgkin at her home on William Street in Jamestown last May. Burham is also accused of setting another person's car on fire around that time before fleeing to Warren County, Pa. Last week... he pled guilty to six felonies stemming from the kidnapping of an older couple from Sheffield... and, his later escape from the Warren County Jail.
Comedian Tom Segura to perform in Jamestown next June...
A funny man is coming to Jamestown for a performance next June. The National Comedy Center has announced Tom Segura will perform at the Northwest Arena on Thursday, June 13. Segura has played to 300 sold out performances in a recent world tour, and has been a hit on Netflix as well. His 2024 global tour is titled, "Tom Segura: Come Together." He describes himself as a 'sarcastic, observational storyteller.' Tickets for Comedy Center members went on sale Wednesday... and, the general public may buy tickets Friday, Nov. 17th. You can learn more at ComedyCenter.org/Segura.
New Tarp Skunks Field Manager introduced Wednesday...
The stadium facilities, and a strong fan base is why new Jamestown Tarp Skunks Field Manager Ben Julian was drawn to the team... and, the city. Julian was formally introduced as the teams new, on-field leader, Wednesday... and, he says when he left the Auburn Doubledays... coming to Jamestown appealed a lot to him. He says... even as an opponent... playing in Jamestown was fun and exciting. On our Dennis Webster Show Wednesday morning... Tarp Skunks General Manager Christian Dolce says he was "pleased and proud" to announce that Julian has been hired. Dolce says Julian brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in collegiate baseball coaching to the local team. He adds that Julian has an impressive coaching career that includes leading the rival Auburn Doubledays to a 74-59 record -- a .556 winning percentage -- over the last three seasons.
