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WJTN Memorial Day Headlines

The area's state Senator is calling on the Office of Children and Family Services to investigate allegations of prior abuse involving a Jamestown toddler who died more than a year-ago.  Olean Republican Cathy Young says the perpetrator of the deadly attack remains at-large... and, she's calling on OCFS Commissioner Sheila Poole to review the records of the State’s Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment regarding allegations or incidents of possible abuse involving young Nayla Hodnett.  Young adds that she is also putting forward several legislative efforts to improve the state’s existing child abuse reporting system.  She says "my heart breaks for this beautiful little girl and her family.  Young children like Nayla are the most vulnerable among us and her case truly pulls at the heartstrings."  In an effort to address cracks in the existing system... Senator Young has authored legislation that would require mandatory reporters take a free online "refresher course" offered by the state Office of Children and Family Services once a year to keep them up-to-date on signs of abuse or maltreatment and current reporting standards.  Anyone with additional information on the Nayla Hodnett homicide is asked to contact Chautauqua County District Attorney David Foley at 753-4241.

 

A Lakewood man is jailed without bail on nearly 20 charges... including drug possession and speeding... after he tried to flee police early last Friday morning.  Lakewood-Busti Police say they responded to a report of a suspicious person on Hern Avenue shortly after 5 AM.  Officers says they saw 40 year-old Blake Smith of Third Avenue allegedly drive off... but, he failed to signal a turn onto West Fairmount Avenue.  Police then stopped Smith... and, says they saw illegal drugs in plain sight.  At that point... Smith allegedly sped off... leading police on a vehicle pursuit into the town of Busti.  Police say Smith abandoned his car... and, tried to run from officers... but, was eventually caught.  Police say he faces charges... including Felony criminal possession of a controlled substance... driving while ability impaired by drugs... and two counts of speeding.  Smith was arraigned... and, sent to the county lock-up.

 

It's Memorial Day 2015... a time to remember those members of the military who made the "ultimate sacrifice" during times of war and conflict.  In Jamestown... veteran's from World War-Two to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan will be part of today's annual Parade in Jamestown... and, service to follow at Soldier's Circle in Lakeview Cemetery.  Today's parade kicks off this morning at 10 AM on West Fourth Street... near Baker Park.  The parade will march east to Prendergast Avenue, then turn left, and head to the cemetary.  The Grand Marshall this year is retired U-S Marine, Dan Kell... who is urging ALL veteran's to take part... and, make this the biggest parade yet.  Veterans and others taking part are urged to be on hand for line-up... which begins at 9 AM this morning.

 

In other parades and events today... County Executive Vince Horrigan has been selected to be the keynote speaker at this year’s Memorial Day event on May 25th in the Town of Poland.  The ceremony... and, parade will step off at 11:45 AM from the Fire Hall and then proceed to Riverside Cemetery where the program to honor our veterans and loved ones will take place.  Horrigan -- a U-S Air Force veteran -- says "I look forward to meeting my fellow veterans and the residents of the Town of Poland as we remember those who have fought and died to preserve our liberties."
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Also today... the annual Busti Memorial Day Parade will be held at 9 AM.  Line-up will be at the former Windrift Restaurant.  A service will follow that at the Busti Gazebo.

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The annual Southwestern--West Ellicott Parade and service will begin about 10:45 AM Monday.  That follows the Busti Parade... and, steps off from Southwestern Central School...
 
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In Celoron... the village and Herman Kent Post-#777 of the American Legion, will hold their Memorial Day service at the Veteran's Memorial in Lucille Ball Memorial Park at 9 AM.  Herman Kent Post, American Legion Commander Gordon Carlson... will deliver the main address.

 

New York traffic authorities say free inspections of child safety seats are available this year at locations across the state.  The inspections by safety technicians are intended to help parents and caregivers know if the seats are properly installed, used and the right size for their children.  State officials cite research showing a 71 percent decrease in the risk of fatal injuries to infants and 54 percent for toddlers in passenger cars from car seats.  A National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration survey says the most common errors include using the wrong safety harness slot to secure a car seat, chest clips improperly positioned over a child's abdomen, or unused, loose installations and loose harnesses.

 

Buffalo is among the top 30 cities in the nation when it comes to dog attacks on letter carriers.  That from a recent report by the U-S Postal Service.  It ranks Buffalo 26th with 14 dog attacks last year.  In Chautauqua County... there was one attack reported... in the Fredonia zip code-area.  U-S Postal Service Spokeswoman Karen Mazurkiewicz says many of the attacks occur in more populated areas. Mazurkiewicz says there are things that dog owners can do to help protect letter carriers.  She says it's best to put the dog in another room, and close the door.  Otherwise... Mazurkiewicz says it's good to keep the dog restrained or behind a fence.  If a letter carrier feels threatened by a vicious dog or if a dog is running loose... the owner may be asked to pick up their mail at the Post Office until the carrier is assured the pet has been restrained. 

 

Ongoing concern over the poor condition of Route 957... one of the main secondary roads connecting Warren and Chautauqua Counties... was the focus of a top-level meeting yesterday.  Lottsville, Pennsylvania businesswoman Wanda Johnson hosted the meeting with PENNDOT officials.  County officials, as well as state Representative Kathy Rapp, were on hand to reinforce local concerns.  However... a Regional PENNDOT official says only basic repair work is slated for the immediate future.