Lakewood-Busti police looking for two suspects allegedly involved in Busti home Invasion...
Police in the Lakewood-area are looking for two people who allegedly committed a home-invasion robbery at the home of an elderly Busti couple early Wednesday morning. Lakewood-Busti Police say the pair allegedly entered the house at 661 Pine Ridge Road about 7 a.m. Officers say Lyle and Jenny McIntyre -- both 92 -- were sleeping in seperate rooms at the time. Police say an unidentified health care aid had apparently left the door unlocked so her relief aid could get in. However... authorities say the suspects entered the home and, restrained the aid... and, sole a safe box that contained Oxycontin, credit cards and a checkbook. The robbers were last seen in a gray four-dour sedan headed towards Creek Road in Busti. One is described as a thin, light skinned hispanic or black man who had an ace bandage around his face... and, a tatoo on hir right forearm. There is no description of the other man. The injured health care aid was treated at WCA Hospital and released. The McIntyres were not hurt. Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Lakewood-Busti Police at 763-9563.
Gerace urges motorists to be safe, and don't take chances this long, July 4th Weekend...
As millions of Americans hit the roads and highways during the holiday weekend... police across the state will be looking for drivers who drink and drive. Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace says his department will have extra patrols out and will be participating in a statewide crackdown. Gerace says people can expect stepped-up enforcement of drunk driving laws. He says the patrols will also be looking for distracted drivers, including those who use hand-held devices such as Smart phones. He says using them while driving is "not a smart thing to do." Governor Andrew Cuomo says the State Police will also join local law enforcement with increased patrols during the Fourth of July weekend from today -- through next Monday, July 6.
Local Sheriff also urges boaters to be safe this weekend...
Law enforcement will also be taking to the waters of Chautauqua County this Independence Day holiday weekend... and, authorities are encouraging folks to practice boating safety. Sheriff Joe Gerace says the department's Marine Division will have a presence on both Lake Erie and Chautauqua Lake as well as some inland waterways including Cassadaga and Findley Lake. He says one way to save a life is to use those personal floatation devices. Gerace urges people to think safety, adding that things can happen in the "blink of an eye." There have already been two fatal boating accidents on Chautauqua Lake this year. Gerace adds it's also a good idea to avoid consuming any alcoholic beverages while taking that boat trip.
Nat. Comedy Park unveling during Thursday night ribbon-cutting...
'Comedy Center Park'... a project of the National Comedy Center was officially dedicated Thursday evening. The park, at track level, behind the Gateway Station in Jamestown includes a large concrete patio, a walkable railroad crossing, and a grassy knoll that slopes down to the Chadakoin Riverwalk. A new set of steps has also been built, from the parking lot at the west side of the station to the park. Tom Benson, Chairman of the Comedy Center, told a crowd of more than a hundred people that completion of the park shows the world the Comedy Center is a 'real project'. The $900,000 park was built entirely by private funds, with contributions from the Gebbie, Sheldon, Lenna, O'Shay, and Chautauqua Region Community Foundations... along with help from the Greater Jamestown Rotary Club. While speaking at the dedication, Tom Benson, also addressed issues regarding rental of the train station itself. He said, while the National Comedy Center will be leasing the station, there will be more opportunities for rental in the future... not fewer.
Chautauqua Symphony opens season with tribute to two fallen members...
The Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra opened its season Thursday night with a touching tribute to two members of the orchestra who died over the past year -- trombonist Vern Kagerise -- who succumbed to illness... and Mary Whittaker -- who was murdered at her home in Sherman just after the final concert in 2014. As orchestra members entered the stage they placed white roses at the edge. Chautauqua's Program Director Marty Merkley spoke to the large audience about the legacy of both musicians. The orchestra dedicated its performance of Elgar's 'Enigma Variations' to Kagerise and Whittaker. The concert was the first for new music director and principal conductor Rossen Millanov. That post had been vacant for several years.
Cause of Buffalo Street apartment house fire ruled accidental...
City fire investigators say the cause of a late afternoon apartment house fire Wednesday on Jamestown's eastside is accidental. City Fire Battalion Chief Sam Salemme says a damaged electric cord to a box fan in the basement was the apparent cause of the blaze in the lower-level of the house at 257 Buffalo Street. Salemme says crews were called to the scene about 4:05 p.m. Wednesday... and, were greeted by thick, black smoke when they arrived. He says they soon learned the blaze was in the basement... and, had the fire out in about 15 minutes. Salemme says fire damage was confined to the basement... but, adds there was smoke damage through-out the building. Some residents called in the alarm using an old "box alarm." He says there were "several" apartments inside. No one was hurt. An off-duty shift was called to the scene to assist.
