DiNapoli says NYS still looking at "out-years" $20-billion deficit...
New York state is looking at a just over $20-billion budget deficit over the next couple of years... which is about half of what was being anticipated a short time ago. That from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli during a wide-ranging keynote address to the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce during it's annual meeting at Moonbrook Country Club north of Jamestown. DiNapoli says the revenue surge coming out of the COVID pandemic slowed the past year... and, projections were lowered. He adds, though, that revenues did pick up during the course of 2023. He says that helped lower deficit projections from $7-billion to $9-billion to about about $4.3-billion. DiNapoli says COVID is in the rear-view mirror... but, adds we are still "in recovery" mode. He says... from a jobs and economic standpoint the state is doing "okay." He commended the chamber and it's work because they are among the major employers here and across New York. DiNapoli calls them the "conveners of all the stakeholders" because they run businesses... and, sit on the boards of several non-profits. He also discussed recent issues with the State University of New York... and, in particular the recent announcement of recommended curriculum cuts at the SUNY College at Fredonia.
Bicyclist seriously hurt in collision with Truck in Fredonia-area...
One person was flown to an area hospital following a collision between a bicycle and a truck in the Fredonia area Friday afternoon. Chautauqua County Sheriff's dispatchers say the incident occurred on Seymour Road between Webster Road and the village line about 3:15 p.m., with the bicyclist transported by MedEvac Helicopter to the Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The victim’s condition was not immediately available. The investigation is continuing.
Jamestown man arrested following southside domestic incident...
A city man has been arrested for allegedly pinning a woman down on a couch... and, stealing items from her... during a domestic incident on Jamestown's southside. City police were called to the unidentified home shortly before 5 p.m. Thursday on a report of a domestic dispute. When they arrived... officers learned that 25 year-old Glenn Ratliff had pushed the woman down, and held her against her will. While she was being held... Ratliff allegedly damaged the female's hooded sweatshirt... and stole her cell phone. The incident also occurred in the presence of a child. Officers arrested Ratliff without incident for third-degree robbery... second-degree unlawful imprisonment... fourth-degree criminal mischief... and, endangering the welfare of a child. He was jailed pending arraignment.
Pair of men -- one from Jamestown -- arrrested for drug possession following traffic stop...
Two men -- one from Jamestown -- face drug-related charges after they were allegedly found with drugs... including a significant amount of Fentanyl... during a traffic stop in the city this week. Jamestown police say members of the Violent Crime and K-9 Units conducted the stop after seeing the driver commit an infraction in the area of North Main and West 18th Streets. During the investigation... officers conducted a search... and, found a small, ripped-off baggie containing an unknown, white powdery substance consistent with narcotics. With that... they arrested the driver, 24 year-old Davonte Green of Jamestown... and, his passenger, 27 year-old Kyle Stilson of Limestone. Police say they found several other large baggies with a substance similar to what was in Stilson's possession. It later tested to be mannitol... which is commonly used to mix with narcotics. They also searched Green... and, found money individually wrapped in rubber bands. While taking them to the city jail... police say Green removed a large amount of Fentanyl from a concealed location on his body. He then ripped the bag open and tried to destroy the narcotics. Police say he was in possession of nearly 11-grams of Fentanyl. Green is charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, tampering with physical evidence. Stilson is charged with two counts of second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia. Both were jailed pending arraignment.
Whitaker says student with BB Gun at JHS had no apparent malicious intent...
There was apparently no malicious intent... but, a Jamestown High School student faces "significant disciplinary and legal consequences" after allegedly bringing a BB gun in their backpack to school. School Superintendent Kevin Whitaker said school officials responded to a report about the student. Dr. Whitaker told us Thursday that another student alerted school officials about it. After the alert was issued... Whitaker says the JHS School Resource Officer took possession of the BB gun from the student without incident. He says... while they still don't know exactly why the student brought the gun to school... they have ruled out any kind of "ill intent." In light of current events, though... Whitaker says the district will be looking at possibly using a weapons detection system being tested at home sports events at JHS during the school day as well.
