Goodell says Hochul's budget proposal addresses state's issues... but, not in the right way...
Chautauqua County's representative in the state Assembly says Governor Kathy Hochul has her focus on the "right issues..." but, her budget doesn't really address those problems.  Jamestown-area Republican Andy Goodell says he appreciates what the governor is trying to do... but, says "throwing money" at them doesn't solve them.  Goodell says... more funding to stem the rise in retail theft won't work if those crimes aren't going to be prosecuted.  He says that's the underlying issue that's not addressed.  Goodell says there is a housing crisis in New York state... but, says at least part of the problem is a doubling of the time in order to evict someone... which led to monitary losses.  He says landlords then had to deal with a two-year eviction moritorium during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Goodell adds that while Governor Hochul increased public education funding to $35-billion... her budget also eliminates the "hold Harmless" clause that no school district would lose foundation aid.  He says that's led to several districts losing aid in the new budget.  Hearings and debate is underway on the $233-billion spending plan... which is due by Apr. 1. 

Investigation into weekend shooting in town of Dunkirk continues... 
State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred last Saturday afternoon in the north county town of Dunkirk.  The State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at the Fredonia barracks responded to Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk shortly after 2:45 p.m. on a report of a 20-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds.  The victim was later taken to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo... and, is listed in guarded condition.  Troopers in Fredonia confirm that the shooting took place at the Lakeside Mobile Home Park on Route 5.  No other details have been released.

Thomas provides detailed report on ARPA spending, and money remaining to City Council...
The Jamestown City Council has received a full accounting of used... and, remaining funding from the city's $28.4-million in American Rescue Plan funding.  New City Comptroller Ericka Thomas provided the information in a four-page spreadsheet at last night's work session... noting there is just over $1.4-million in funding left to be used.  She says there were a couple of booking errors that had to be accounted for... and, there is about $261,000 that could be "clawed back" from the Deputy Comptoller's position.  In addition... Thomas says the city has earned a pretty good chunk of change in interest... totalling $312,000 in interest.  She says she has some additional meetings coming up with the police, fire and parks departments to go over the ARPA monies used, and remaining for their projects and other purchases.  

Schumer, and families of Flight 3407 victims commemorate 15th Anniversary of crash, reflect on ongoing battle to keep pilot training and safety measures in place...
The families of the nearly 50 victims of Colgan Air Flight 3407 commemorated the 15th anniversary of the tragic crash in Clarence Center Monday.  Family members gathered at the site for a vigil... and, also joined U.S. Senator Charles Schumer for a video press conference to advocate for keeping air training and safety standards in place as part of the Federal Aviation Administration re-authorization bill.  Schumer... who is Senate Majority Leader... praised the families for helping him keep those rules in place.  He says the measures were protected in the Senate "mark-up" of the new bill.  In fact... Schumer says since that crash on Feb. 12, 2009... there have been no major airline crashes in the United States.  In addition... one of the major provisions in the bill requires pilots to have 1,500 hours of training before flying commercial aircraft... and, that pilots have enough rest between flights.  A couple from the town of Portland were among those killed in the crash.

Backyard Bird Count pre-registration due today...
A well known local 'birder' is encouraging everyone to take time over President's Day Weekend to note the birds in their neighborhood.  Craig Thompson says the Great Backyard Bird Count is a continent-wide event that's easy to be a part of.  He says just take a walk around your home and neighborhood and count the number, and kinds of birds you see or hear in any one instance -- like you're taking a picture with your camera.  Once you're done counting, go on-line to report your results at birdcount.org.  He says you'll need to establish your own account... which is free to do.  Since February is NOT migration season, Thompson says this is the ideal time to get a tally of 'settled' bird populations. Both RTPI and the Audubon are having instructional sessions on the bird count this Saturday morning -- Feb. 17 -- at 9 a.m.  Pre-registration for either class should be done by today (Feb. 13).

Celoron man accused of hurting woman during domestic in downtown Jamestown...
A Celoron man has been arrested for allegedly breaking into a Jamestown woman's apartment... and punching her repeatedly during a domestic incident in the downtown area.  City police say they were called to the unidentified location shortly after 4 a.m. Sunday for a reported domestic dispute.  When they arrived... officers say they made contact with both the victim... and, the suspect -- 58 year-old Robert Porter, Jr.  Their investigation showed that Porter had forced his way into the apartment... and, punched the victim several times, causing injury.  He was arrested on charges including first-degree burglary... and, third-degree assault.  He was also allegedly found in possession of suboxone... and, was also charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Porter was jailed pending arraignment.