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WJTN News Headlines

After several arctic outbreaks in recent weeks... the month of February could wind up being one of the coldest on record for Western New York.  That from Forecaster Tony Ansuini (Ensweeney) with the National Weather Service in Buffalo.  Ansuini says another arctic blast is on the way for late Wednesday through Friday.  He adds he doesn't see the trend changing anytime soon. Ansuini confirms that February is turning out to be one of the coldest on record in Western New York. Landing it in the top two coldest.  As for the season, Ansuini ranks it among the top 10.  The temperature was 4-below zero here at our Media One Studios in West Ellicott.  It was 17-below in Dunkirk early this morning.  Unofficially... the lowest temperature phoned in was 21-below zero in Stockton.

 

Local law enforcement and housing officials are supporting legislation that would require new owners or tenants of housing previously used for a "Meth Lab" be told of it.  Jamestown city... and, Chautauqua County officials were on hand for Monday's press conference hosted by U-S Senator Charles Schumer.  Schumer says the U-S Drug Enforcement Agency reports that 95-percent of the residences used by people illegally making Meth aren't reported.  Jamestown Development Director Vince DeJoy says they work with City Police on cleaning up Meth houses... and, feels the proposal will help keep the city's aging housing stock viable. The press conference took place at 824 Prendergast Avenue... where a Meth Lab exploded... and, triggered a fire that heavily-damaged the structure.  City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says they've dealt with 14 Meth Labs in the past two-and-a-half years... but, the majority have been found recently. Sheriff Joe Gerace was also on hand... and, called this another tool that localities can use in the war on drugs.  He thanked Schumer for his efforts... including federal resources the county is receiving after being designated a "High-Intensity Drug Drug Trafficking Area."

 

Senator Schumer is pushing for federal legslation to protect people from the health effects, and cost of buying or renting a home that was once used as a "Meth Lab."  During yesterday's press conference... Schumer said the DEA reports that only 5-percent of homes used to make Meth are reported... and, that's usually due to a drug bust or fire -- as was the case of the house he stood in front of at 824 Prendergast Avenue.  Schumer says... while the previous occupants may "clean" the inside of the dwelling... the effects of chemicals used to make Meth can remain. Schumer says 23 states currently have laws that force homeowners... or landlords... to disclose if a home or apartment was used as a "Meth Lab."   He says the chemicals used to make methamphetimes can cause a number of problems such as headaches... nosebleeds... and, difficulty breathing -- especially in children.  He adds disclosure could be done in a similar way that lead paint is now disclosed.

 

Jamestown police have now arrested the one person they are looking for in connection with the discovery of an alleged Methamphetime Lab on the city's eastside last weekend.  City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says a citizen tip helped them locate 25 year-old Brandon Hogg early last night.  Samuelson says Hogg was wanted on two Felony warrants for second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetime.  He says Hogg is also accused of violating his parole.  Samuelson says investigators found a large quantity of materials used to make meth at the scene at 305 East Fifth Street. Samuelson says they're investigating whether or not there is a connection to the lab taken down at 242 McKinley Avenue last week, and this one.  He says police were able to obtain a search warrant... and, raided the apartment on East Fifth about 2:30 PM last Friday.  The investigation is continuing.  Anyone with information on the case... can city police at 483-7537... or the JPD Tips-line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.

 

The "back" warehouse at an Ashville-area manufacturing plant was destroyed yesterday in a fire that appears accidental in nature.  Lakewood Fire Department Public Information Officer P-J Wendel says crews were called to Carving Masters on Kramer Road in the town of Busti just after 5:30 AM Monday.  Wendel says a plow driver called in the initial alarm... and, first-arrving crews found heavy smoke and fire in the back. Wendel says it was also difficult to deal with 27-below zero temperature when they first arrived.  He says water froze up... and, some part of the scene were like a "skating rink."  He says county, and Lakewood fire investigators determined the cause was accidental... and, found the point of origin in a corner of the building.  Lakewood was joined at the scne by Panama, Busti and Mayville Fire crews.  Wendel says their equipment was back in service about 5 PM yesterday.  No injuries were reported.  The exact cause remains under investigation.

 

Here's one idea for fixing Albany:  Pay New York state lawmakers more.  Legislators make a base salary of 79-thousand-500 dollars for what's supposed to be a part-time job.  But... they have long complained that the compensation hasn't changed in 15 years... and, doesn't reflect the workload.  Now, a pay increase has resurfaced as part of a proposal to address political corruption.  Many lawmakers and good-government groups say banning or restricting the money lawmakers make from side jobs would eliminate a frequent source of corruption.  In exchange... they're suggesting a big legislative pay increase.

 

The 10 newest members of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame were honored last night at the hall's 34th annual induction banquet in Lakewood.  The Class of 2015 represents everything from coaching... to professional football... and, horse racing.  Coaching was well-represented with long-time Sherman High School boys and girl's basketball coach Mel Swanson.  Swanson... who was New York State Girls Basketball Coach of the Year last year... calls his induction a "great honor" that he wanted to share with everyone who contributed to his -- and the programs' successes. In addition... late Panama Football Coach Jack Keeney... retired Falconer Wresting Coach Bill Davenport... and collegiate Track and Field Coach Dan Stimson of Falconer were inducted.  High college and professional football was represented by Clymer High School graduate Jehuu Caulcrick.  Salamanca native... Chuck Crist... who played professionally with the New Orleans Saints, New York Giants... and, San Francisco 49ers was also inducted.  The media was also represented... with former Post-Journal Sports Writer "Scrubby" Olson... and, our own Jim Roselle.

 

U-S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will speak in Watertown and Utica as part of a tour to publicize enactment of the federal ``Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act.''  The measure signed by President Barack Obama last week creates a variety of mental health and community support programs to help veterans transition into civilian life.  It's named after a Texas infantryman and sniper who committed suicide in Houston in 2011 after fighting to get governmental help for his combat-related mental health troubles.