Jamestown police and school district officials are continuing to investigate a situation where a "number of students" were allegedly found in possession of... or having knowledge of marijuana at Washington Middle School. School Superintendent Tim Mains says the incident was reported late Wednesday afternoon by the school principal. Mains says they took "swift and decisive action..." and, called Jamestown police to assist in the investigation. City Police Chief Harry Snellings says their officers, and K-9 unit were involved, but, declined further comment.
An incident where a man apparently tried to lure a teenaged girl into his car near Silver Creek Central School late Wednesday afternoon is getting a lot of attention. And, Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace says the 13-year-old girl did the right thing. The teen was walking on Bennett State Road shortly before 4 PM when she was asked by the driver of a dark green SUV/Jeep style vehicle if she would like a ride. The youth did not get into the vehicle... and, continued to walk away from it. Gerace says they don't know the driver's intent, but you can't take any chances. Sheriff's Department patrol units were sent to the scene... but, were unable to locate the vehicle. Police described the driver as 50 to 60 years-old, wearing glasses with white hair with a mustache... and, having an average build. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff's office.
New York’s teachers union elected a new president this week, in a sign that union members, teachers and professionals in the state’s public schools want a stronger stance on a number of issues. Karen Magee is a 30-year veteran teacher... and, union leader from Harrison in Westchester County who replaces nine-year incumbent Dick Iannuzzi. Magee says she has a firm mandate from New York State United Teachers members.
Magee looks to press aggressively on issues such as teacher evaluations using Common Core testing... while healing what she called a "fractured" relationship between the union and Governor Andrew Cuomo. She says her new presidency offers a chance to "reset" relationships between the governor and State Education Commissioner John King, Junior... who was the target of an NYSUT vote of "no confidence" this past weekend.
Federal prosecutors in New York City say they're taking the remaining files from the state anti-corruption commission now shutting down and plan to complete its investigations. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara requested the Moreland commission's ``important and unfinished work'' investigating New York political corruption. He tells the commissioners in a letter that the closing was ``premature.''
A water system that serves the entire north county was the focus of the second meeting of the Chautauqua County Water Agency last night in Silver Creek. County officials... including Executive Vince Horrigan... were on hand to provide the figures for all of the options concerning a regional water project to panel members. Horrigan said he was looking to come to "a conclusion on the best configuration, and method to go foward...." However... there is some disagreement among the ranks. Fredonia Mayor Steve Keefe earlier said he backs a proposal by Dunkirk Mayor A-J Dolce that would allow Dunkirk, Fredonia and Brocton to continue to be water providers. He calls the plan supported by the Chadwick Bay Regional Development Corporation "convoluted" since it would not include Fredonia's gravity-fed system.
A total of 16 third through 12th graders have been honored as winners in the Chautauqua Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Council's 13th annual Poster Contest. CASAC Executive Director Pat Munson says first through third-places and two honorable mentions were awarded for each of three age groups during the program at the Prendergast Library in Jamestown. Munson says this year's theme was "What Keeps Me Above the Influence..." and, she adds more than 300 students took part county-wide. She says determining the finalists was tough. Munson says the Grand Prize winner of 100-dollars was sophomore Ellysa Maze of Cassadaga Valley Central School. She adds the first place winner in the third-through fifth-grade catagory was Kristen DeBicki of Sinclairville Elementary School. The winner in the 6th through 8th-grade age group was Jefferson Middle School's Sarah Marucci... and, Pine Valley's Meagan Tyler was first in the 9th through 12th grade group. Each of those winners received 50-dollar prizes. The program was supported by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation... and, Cummins Engine Company.
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is kicking off his campaign for New York governor, vowing to build on his third-place finish four years ago. Hawkins announced his campaign today. He says that if elected he would support raising the minimum wage, more investments in renewable energy and public transportation, a ban on hydraulic fracturing and higher taxes on wealthy earners.
