Ecklund sworn-in as second woman mayor of Jamestown, and first female GOP member to take the office...
The city of Jamestown has it's first-ever, Republican woman mayor in it's history... as former Councilwoman Kim Ecklund was sworn-in Monday afternoon at City Hall. During brief remarks following the swearing in... Ecklund acknowledged that fact... and, thanked the many family and friends who packed council chambers for their help and support during the campaign, and her transition. She quoted Mother Theresa in saying that "together, we can do great things." Ecklund got emotional when talking about her decision to run... and, recalled the fact that her grandfather Alpine "Piney" Johnson, Sr., ran for mayor in 1965, but, was defeated in a primary. She hoped that her example would be an inspiration to others to follow the same path. Soon after... Ecklund lightened the mood when talking about her family's support... in particular her husband, Keith. She says he "signed me up for this long before I ever did." She is the second woman to ever serve in the position. The late Carolyn Seymour was the first woman ever elected. The Democrat served from 1992-93.
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In addition to Ecklund... two members of her administration were also sworn-in Monday afternoon. They were new Comptroller Ericka Thomas... who worked with Ecklund in finance for better than three decades at eSolutions-Bush Industries. City Clerk Jennifer Williams was also sworn-in for another term in that position.
Dolce again elected to be City Council President...
City Council President Tony Dolce will again serve in that capacity the next two years after being re-elected unanimously by fellow panel members. The Second-Ward Republican has led the GOP majority panel the past four years... and has been the longest-ever serving member of council. During his remarks... Dolce noted that lawmakers will have to keep a close eye on finances as the city's $28-million American Rescue Plan award runs out... and, they still have needed capital improvements to be made at city facilities. The second focus was on housing... and third was public safety... focusing on gun violence, and the drug epidemic. In the new year... First-Ward Councilman Brent Sheldon will chair the Finance Committee... while second-term Fifth-Ward Councilman Bill Reynolds will chair the Housing Committee. In addition... returning At-Large Republican Jeff Russell will now serve as Public Safety Committee chairman... and, another At-Large Republican, Randy Daversa, will again serve as Public Works chairman.
Cattaraugus County man faces numerous charges following vehicle pursuit...
An Ellicottville man faces several charges after allegedly leading police on a high-speed car chase early this morning that went from Cattaraugus County into Pennsylvania. Sheriff's officers in Little Valley say they responded to a report of a speeding vehicle just before 1:30 a.m. when a car was seen coming into the county. Deputies took up the chase... and, the driver -- identified as 64 year-old Patrick Fuhr -- nearly struck a deputy with his vehicle as the officer was deploying spike strips. Fuhr faces speeding... unlawfully fleeing police in a motor vehicle... and several other charges. He was jailed without bail pending a future court appearance.
City man arrested on domestic violence and animal abuse charges...
A Jamestown man has been arrested following an alleged domestic violence incident New Year's morning... as well as abusing animals. City police were called to a westside address about 9:20 a.m. Monday... and, before they arrived, officers were told that one of the subjects -- 25 year-old Armando Colon -- had active domestic charges stemming from an earlier incident. When police checked the home... Colon was found in the basement hiding under a stack of boxes. He was taken into custody... and taken to the city jail on charges of second-degree assault... third-degree criminal mischief... as well as overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals. Colon was jailed pending arraignment.
City man charged with DWAI after being found slumped over steering wheel last Friday...
A Jamestown man found slumped over the steering wheel of his car has been arrested for driving while under the influence of drugs. City police say members of their Violence Interdiction... and, DWI Units were patrolled in the area of Charles Street shortly before 2 a.m. last Friday... and spotted the driver, 31 year-old Joshua Spagnualo, unresponsive behind the wheel. Police say a search of the vehicle was conducted... and, Spagnualo was found to be in possession of a quantity of Fentanyl. He was taken to the city jail and released with appearance tickets on charges of driving while ability impaired by drugs... and, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
NYS Minimum Wage increases on New Year's Day...
The new year brings a new, higher minimum wage in New York state... with all workers to now make at least 15-dollars an hour. In the first of a series of annual increases slated for the Empire State... the minimum wage increased to $16 in New York City and some of its suburbs, up from $15. In the rest of the state, the new minimum wage is $15, up from $14.20. The state's minimum wage is expected to increase every year until it reaches $17 in New York City and its suburbs, and $16 in the rest of the state by 2026. Future hikes will be tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, a measurement of inflation.
