Schumer, Langworthy at Barcelona Harbor to announce $7.5-Million to repair harbor breakwater...
With Barcelona Harbor at his back... U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced today that he has secured $7.5-million in the Senate's 2024 budget proposal for repairs to the harbor's breakwall. Schumer was joined by Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendell... and, local Congressman Nick Langworthy for the announcement... which the New York Democrat says "builds on the millions" he delivered in 2022 for dredging projects at Barcelona... Dunkirk Harbor... and, Cattaraugus Creek. With final negotiations underway on the budget... Schumer says he's pushing to protect this funding in the final spending bills. Specifically... he says the funding will be used to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restore Barcelona Harbor to "full functionality" by repairing the west breakwater... evaluating sediment management measures... and, dredging the harbor... all of which he says is "critical for the local tourism and jobs that rely on the harbor in Westfield." Langworthy says he's "proud to advocate for an additional $6-million in federal resources to complete a needed breakwall to protect the harbor, which passed as part of the House’s Energy and Water Appropriations bill last October."
City man arrested for violating burn ordinance, and drug possession...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly violating the city's burn ordinance by starting a fire inside a tent on the city's northside... and, being in possession of drugs. Jamestown police say a patrol in the area spotted the fire coming from the tent... which was between two houses... shortly after 4 a.m. last Friday. Officers found that 42 year-old Marcelino Hernandez had started the fire which violated the city code for Prohibited Burning within the city. While police spoke with Hernandez... they conducted a search... and, found him in posession of quantities of methamphetamine... cocaine... suboxone... and, packaging materials. He was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... four counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia... and, violating the city code prohibiting burning.
Southside traffic stop in Jamestown leads to drug seizure...
An early morning traffic stop on Jamestown's southside has led to the arrest of a woman who was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. City police say they stopped a car at the intersection of Newland Avenue and Harvard Street for a traffic violation just before 4 a.m., and, saw the drug paraphernalia in plain view inside of the vehicle. Further investigation found that 41 year-old Jamie Warner was in possession of the meth... and, she was arrested for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, multiple traffic violations. Warner was taken to the city jail pending arraignment.
Quattrone expresses concerns over new proposed jail visitation legislation...
A bill that would mandate "full contact" visitation at local correctional facilities is being considered by the New York state legislature as they debate a new budget. Chautauqua County's top cop is keeping an eye on the bill... which would amend New York's correction law to establish a visiting program for inmates. It would require those facilities to "give incarcerated people opportunities for personal contact with their relatives, children, friends...and other persons" during evening and weekend hours. Sheriff Jim Quattrone says the state Sheriff's Association has concerns about that... and, wants to meet with lawmakers to see if they can find some common sense changes. Right now... Quattrone says his department already offers visitation during the week. As for "full contact" visits... he says they do allow some of that at the jail in Mayville. However... he has concerns over allowing more access... and, visitors bringing contraband into the jail.
Goodell announces committee assignments for 2024 legislative session...
Local Assemblyman Andy Goodell is again serving in a number of positions, and committee's this year at the State Capitol in Albany. The Jamestown-area Republican is again one of the top Minority members of the legislature this year... being Minority leader Pro-Temp... which is basically Floor Leader for the day when the minority leader can't be there. Goodell says it's given him the chance to speak on the floor of the Assembly on legislation of importance to local residents. He's also on the Social Services and Government Operations Committees.
Nine newest CSHOF Inductees celebrated at annual induction dinner...
The newest nine members of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame were officially inducted during last night's annual dinner at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. The majority were women for the first time in the Hall of Fame's history. One of them was Karen Bakewell... who locally made a name for herself with the Chautauqua Striders. However... Bakewell -- who now lives in Fairport, NY -- competed nationally in college... and, won an individual, Division-One title. Bakewell says she's grateful and honored to be inducted with this class. A wide range of sports were represented at the dinner... with Watts Flats' Rod Maloy being inducted for his accomplishments in auto racing. Maloy won back-to-back Stateline-Eriez Speedway Super Late Model championships in 2001 and 2002. Back to the women... 97 year-old national champion master swimmer Judy Young was inducted last night... 11 years after her son, Jim was inducted into the same local Hall of Fame. Doug Kaltenbach... Cheryl Miller-Burns... Carlene Sluberski and Deaf Olympian Karen Tellinghuisen... were also on hand. Family accepted awards for the late Tom D'Angelo... and the late Daniel Bryner.
