The main actor in the August 2014 murder of a violinist with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra has been sentenced to the maximum in state prison for second-degree murder. Acting Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson says 45 year-old Jonathan Conklin of Sherman was given an indeterminate term of 25 years to life by County Court Judge Richard Kloch (Clock) in the death of 61 year-old Mary Whitaker. Swanson gave full credit to former District Attorney David Foley... who originated the case. Swanson also thanked the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office... and, it's Forensic Investigation Team for their efforts at the Sherman-area crime scene... and, tracking down Conklin and co-defendant Charles Sanford a short time later. Both men were found with Whitaker's stolen vehicle in Erie, Pennsylvania. Swanson says... with the fact Conklin faces 15 years in his federal case related to the murder... he will be a very old man if he's ever released. Sanford will be sentenced in County Court in his case this coming Friday morning.
Jamestown police are asking for the public's help in finding two men allegedly involved in a "brutal assault" against another city man early this past Monday morning. City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says the incident occured just before 2:30 AM on a pathway betwen North Main and Institute Streets. Samuelson says the pathway ran along the Chadakoin River. He says -- for investigative purposes -- details of the assault are not being released. However... due to the nature of the crime... Samuelson says they believe that one -- or both of the suspects involved may have disclosed to others what happened. The victim was treated at WCA Hospital and released... but, will require follow-up treatment. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call JPD at their confidential Tip-line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.
Four Jamestown residents were arrested following a traffic stop early Tuesday morning that uncovered a drug "trifecta" for police. City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says patrol officers pulled over a car on Stowe Street -- at the intersection with East Second Street -- shortly before 4 AM for failing to signal a turn. Samuelson says their investigation turned up quantities of a number of drugs. Samuelson says they allegedly found two passengers -- 27 year-old Joshua Berg... and, 22 year-old Jacob Trippy in possession of Methamphetime and cocaine. He says another passenger... 34 year-old Tiffany Mahony... had more than 73-grams of pot in her possession, along with Meth, cocaine, suboxone strips, and some Heroin. Samuelson says the driver... 32 year-old Michelle King... was allegedly in possession of a quantity of Meth... and, faces multiple vehicle and traffic charges. She was released on bail. The other three were being held pending a preliminary hearing. If you have any information on alleged drug trafficking... call JPD at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.
Four people -- three from Jamestown -- have been arrested for marijuana possession during a traffic stop on Route 60... just north of Jamestown... late last week. State Police in Jamestown say they pulled over the vehicle... driven by 19 year-old Karla Fontanez... for a traffic violation. While speaking with Fontanez and the other occupants... troopers noticed a smell of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. They then searched Fontanez... and 24 year-old Angel Roman... and, 25 year-old Christian Nazario of Jamestown... and, 21 year-old Jose Torres Perez of Puerto Rico. They were allegedly found in possession of several marijuana cigarettes... a pipe containing marijuana residue... and, a bag containing a small amount of marijuana. All four were arrested... and, issued tickets for unlawful possession of marijuana for Ellicott Town Court. Nazario was then turned over to Jamestown Police due to an outstanding warrant for unpaid parking tickets.
The state Senate's Republican majority has released a list of 35 recommendations for addressing New York's Heroin and opioid epidemic. The proposals announced Tuesday are the result of two years of work by a Senate task force created to study the rising rates of addiction and overdose throughout the state. State Senator Cathy Young is a member of the panel. Fellow Republican Rob Ortt of Niagara Falls, who is the panel's co-chairman, says the recommendations include suggestions from addiction experts, physicians, law enforcement and even addicts and their families. Specific proposals include efforts to prevent prescription drug abuse, enhanced educational outreach in public schools, insurance regulations to make treatment more affordable, tougher penalties for heroin dealers and expanded treatment options. Senators say they hope to pass each proposal this year. The state budget includes $166 million in funding to fight opioid addiction.
The mayor of Fredonia says she is still keeping an open mind... but, admits it's looking more likely that the village will be going on its own rather than joining the city of Dunkirk with a combined police facility. This following a workshop meeting the village board held last night on the issue. Dr. Athanasia Landis says that she and village trustees still have a lot questions about a joint facility. The village has not completely shut the door on a combined facility. Dr. Landis says she will be attending another meeting today with Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas, and a representative of the state Department of State. But... she says she needs more answers before saying yes to a joint facility. The village is still looking at a proposal to relocate its current police station out of village hall. A committee appointed by Landis is currently looking at a list of potential locations.
Gasoline prices in Chautauqua County have gone up about six-cents a gallon the past couple of days after showing little change earlier in the week. The Triple-A's Fuel Gauge Report says the local price was 2-dollars-39 cents last week. The Fuel Gauge says the 19 service stations they surveyed at the beginning of the week showed an average of 2-38.8 Monday. However... most stations are now showing a price of 2-dollars-45 cents at mid-week. Triple-A says the average national price is now 2--22 a gallon for self-serve, regular. The national average price increased slightly over the past week, and it is likely that prices are heading for a new 2016 high. Gas prices are rising due to more expensive crude oil costs brought about by wildfires in Canada... and, supply disruptions in other oil-producing countries.
The Ellicott Town Board will review and act on bids for repair work to part of the roof on the town's Highway Garage in Falconer during a special meeting today. Town Clerk Mike Erlandson says the meeting will take place at 12 Noon today at the Town Hall. Erlandson says board members will review the bids... and, make a decision on who to award the work to during this construction season.
