Hochul unveil's $233B, 2024-25 Budget proposal to deal with crime, housing and migrant crisis...
New York Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed $233-billion budget for the next fiscal year focuses on three main priorities with a $6-billion increase in spending. However... Hochul says it does not include an increase in the state's income tax. The Buffalo-area Democrat presented her 2024-25 budget plan in Albany Tuesday morning. She proposed continuing the now $1.9-billion to help New York with it's migrant crisis... along with $500,000 more from increased state reserves... which are now just over 15% of the spending. So far... Hochul says the state has been helping to house and feed 69-thousand migrants and asylum seekers from the southern border. She also proposed more measures to deal with crime... including the rise in retail crime. She says $40-million will be going to local police and prosecutors to better deal with that. Hochul also focused on the need for added mental health services in the state... including $45-million to meet the need for more services in schools. She also touted funding to help train 20,000 new teachers in "back to basics" education... such as using phonics to help teach literacy across the state.
Propane leak leads to blaze that destroys several campers, and out-buildings in town of Chautauqua...
A propane gas leak inside a camper led to an early morning blaze that destroyed several campers and out-buildings in the town of Chautauqua. The Sheriff's Office reports that the Mayville Fire Department was called to 71-27 Beaujean Rd. just after 12:30 Wednesday morning for a reported camper fire. Several mutual aid companies were also called to the scene. No injuries were reported. The county's Fire Investigation Team was called into to look for the cause and origin of the blaze. The Jamestown Post-Journal says neighbors of the property have complained to the town that the structures have been used as "drug houses."
Inmate at Chautauqua County Jail captured after brief escape from work party...
A Chautauqua County Jail inmate was recaptured Monday morning shortly after he escape from a work detail in the town of Ellery. Sheriff's deputies say several law enforcement agencies responded to the area when the male inmate escaped in the late morning. The agencies used coordinated efforts... and, the inmate was quickly located. Officers say he was taken back into custody. No one was hurt during the escape nor capture. Police say the incident remains under investigation and charges are pending. The Sheriff's Office say more informaiton will be released at a later time.
City man charged with arson after allegedly starting fire inside an apartment stove...
A Jamestown man is accused of setting fire to a pile of wood inside an electric stove to try and heat an apartment that had the utilities shut-off late Monday afternoon. City police and firefighters were called to the northside address just before 2 p.m., and, found 43 year-old Jared Leroy and a woman who had a stay-away order of protection against him. However... it was apparent that the female was willing in his company. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze... but say the flames melted the stove... and, there was smoke damage to the residence. Leroy was arrested for third-degree arson... and, second-degree criminal contempt. He was taken to the city jail pending arraignment. No one was hurt in the fire... but the apartment was condemned by the city's Department of Development.
Jamestown man arrested for allegedly pointing rifle at another man...
A city man is accused of pointing a rifle at another man during an argument on Jamestown's westside last Thursday night. City police were called to the unidentified location shortly before 9 p.m. for a person with a weapon. Officers say their investigation found that 43 year-old Cody Cogdell had pointed the rifle at a male victim.... and, he was arrested without further incident. Police charged Cogdell with second-degree menacing. He was taken to the city jail... arraigned, and later released with an appearance ticket.
Dunkirk hold's annual MLK Luncheon at Clarion Monday...
The annual tradition honoring late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was held Monday in Dunkirk. More than 140 people turned out for the Dunkirk Juneteenth Committee's MLK Luncheon at the Clarion Hotel. Committee Chairperson Loretta Torain says the theme for this year's event was one of Dr. King's famous phrases: "The time is always right to do what is right." It's a theme that has been used before, but Torain says the committee needed to remind those in attendance to do the right thing. Torain believes the guests in attendance received the message very well. Several local elected officials were on hand for the event, including new Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz, Fredonia Mayor Mike Ferguson, Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel, Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone, and New York State Assemblyman Andrew Goodell.
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The traditional Martin Luther King, Junior commemoration and service at Jamestown's Emmanuel Baptist Church that was to be held Sunday afternoon was postponed due to the inclement weather. The church's Facebook page says it will be rescheduled at a later date.
