Man from Dunkirk identified as victim killed in Monday shooting on Jamestown's northside...
The investigation was continuing late last night into a shooting incident -- that turned fatal -- on Jamestown's northside that occured late Monday afternoon. City police were initially called to the scene at 839 Prendergast Ave. around 5:30 p.m. We have learned that two people were reportedly shot -- and, the Post-Journal was reporting one was shot in the chest. Late Tuesday... Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt identified the victim as 26 year-old Travon Tripp of Dunkirk. Schmidt says the other victim was critically wounded... and, was rushed to UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pa. We do have calls into JPD... but, have not heard back from them yet. Jamestown firefighters and County EMS were also called to the scene... along with Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt. The 800-block of Prendergast Avenue was the scene of a brazen, day-light shooting in August of 2022... in which one man was killed, and two others were later arrested in what was described as a "targeted shooting."
City Council learns more about proposed additional bond for new Fleet Maintenance Building...
The Jamestown City Council is looking at borrowing another $1.7-million to complete the new fleet maintenance building on Washington Street. However... that number may increase if the city isn't able to get a $1-million grant it's seeking for the project. That from City Comptroller Ericka Thomas... who explained last night the need for the additional, short-term borrowing on top of the $2.85-million already bonded for. Thomas says they have expenses over the original bond, totaling just over $2-million... and, adds that Interim Public Works Director Mark Roetzer needs another $700,000 to complete the project. To date... Thomas says the city has spent $4.89-million on the project at the former Hartley Buick dealership. The grant would come from the Federal Reserve Board... which she currently speaking with to nail down a time they will hear about approval. Roetzer was asked... with costs going up... if the DPW is trying to use as much of the current building's equipment in the new one. He says yes... and, that includes moving three cranes to the new building, and buying one new one. Mayor Kim Ecklund and council members agreed that while the new building will cost much more than previously expected... it has to be completed. Roetzer says much of the new building is ready... but, he's hoping to be completely moved in by early Summer.
Fire destroys South Dayton home...
No injuries were reported... but, flames have destroyed a home in the Cattaraugus County community of South Dayton. Sheriff's Department dispatchers in Little Valley say South Dayton fire crews were called to 303 Oak St. about 10:30 a.m. Monday... and, mutual aid was called in from nine other departments... including three from Chautauqua County. They were: Forestville, Cherry Creek, and Sunset Bay. The home was a total loss. The cause has not been released.
Fire Chief urges local fire department, and new recruits to take advantage of new program to pay training costs...
Chautauqua County fire and emergency officials are urging local fire departments to take advantage of a new, $10-million NYS training stipend program to help recruit new members. Fire Departments here, and across the state have been plagued in recent years by decreasing numbers of volunteers. Helping to spearhead the new program locally is Fredonia Fire Chief Josh Myers... who says the program will cover the cost for three needed training programs by recruits. The first is $750 for completing of Basic Exterior Firefighting operations... the second is $1,250 for completeing Basic Interior firefighting... and, $1,000 for completion of Fire Officer-One training. He says for many... it's difficult to find the money... and, time for the 109 hours of total training needed for the fire service. Myers adds that volunteer departments often don't have the money to help the recruit pay for the specialized training... and Myers hopes this will encourage more people to volunteer for the fire service. Volunteer departments often don't have the money to help the recruit pay for the specialized training... and Myers hopes this will encourage more people to volunteer for the fire service. He says the initiative... administered by the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control... stands as a beacon of hope for many small municipalities like Fredonia... which has the only full and part-time department.
Ecklund announces the city and Red Cross are teaming up for "Sound The Alarm" this Saturday...
Last week's fatal apartment fire at the Senior High Rise in Jamestown is serving as a reminder that residents should make sure to have working smoke detectors inside their homes. That from Mayor Kim Ecklund... who has been working with the local Red Cross to schedule a smoke detector give-away this coming Sat., Mar. 23. Ecklund says the Red Cross is including Jamestown in the nationwide "Sound the Alarm" program because the number of fires that have occured in recent times in the city has been cause for concern. Ecklund says the give-away will be staged at Fletcher Elementary School in the city's southside... where volunteers will gather before going to homes where the resident has registered to receive one to three detectors. She says orientation will begin at the school at 8:30 a.m. Ecklund says they'll have enough smoke detectors to give out to between 90 and 100 homes. For more information... call her office at 483-7600... or go on-line to www.soundthealarm/wny.
