Jamestown man arrested for allegedly being found in possession of "large" amount of marijuana and cocaine...
A city man has been arrested... and, a large amount of marjuana and cocaine has been seized... following an early morning raid Friday on Jamestown's northside. City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and members of the State Police C-NET Team executed a search warrant at 904 North Main St. just after 6 a.m. Samuelson says task force members found... and, arrested 62 year-old Wayne Leeper, Sr. inside the residence. Inside... he says they found Leeper in possession of a quantity of cocaine... and, about 5.5-pounds of marijuana -- which is a "substantial amount" of the drug. Samuelson says they also found some drug packaging... and, seized about $2,000 in alleged drug proceeds. He adds that residents are continuing to help them with such investigations through their confidential tips-line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.
Cuomo proposes 25-point strategy to deal with state's Heroin and Opioid Addiction problem...
A new 25-point strategy for dealing with New York's heroin and opioid problem calls for limiting prescriptions, boosting treatment and greater support for those trying to stay clean. Governor Andrew Cuomo released the recommendations late Thursday. They now go to the state Legislature, which is expected to approve a comprehensive plan to combat the rise in heroin and opioid addiction before ending the 2016 session next week. The proposals announced by Cuomo include changes in insurance rules to encourage addicts to get help, greater funding for treatment, new training for doctors who prescribe opioids, new rules to limit acute pain medication to seven-day prescriptions, and expanded access to overdose antidotes.
Teresi says city leaders already looking at a $2.5-$3-million, 2017 Budget shortfall...
Jamestown city officials say ever-increasing costs, and "flat" revenues are the reason they are already looking at a projected, $2.5-million to $3-million shortfall in next year's budget. That from Mayor Sam Teresi... who says his budget team is already looking at a signficant deficit... due mainly to cost hikes, primarily in three areas. Teresi made his comments for this weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the Media One Group of stations. He says they're looking at increased insurance costs -- especially for retirees, increased Worker's Comp costs, and utility costs. The cost for health insurance for retirees in the city's self-insured program were a big problem in the current year's budget... and, will continue to be so in the future. Teresi outlined the issues while talking about whether the city would be able to help fund the Prendergast Library again in 2017. A referendum for an $850,000 "Community Funding Initiative" was soundly defeated earlier this week... and, Teresi says the library will probably be a "smaller fit" in the city's budget in 2017.
WCA Hospital officials announce new affiliate agrement with UPMC clears on regulatory hurdle...
Another step has been taken towards final regulatory approval of WCA Hospital's affiliation agreement with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. WCA Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Betsy Wright says the agreement was approved late Thursday by the state Public Health and Health Planning Council Establishment and Project Review Committee. Wright says the next regulatory steps include approvals from the state Office of Mental Health... and, the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. She says "we are very excited and appreciative of the State’s approval to move forward. This is a great day for WCA and UPMC and more importantly, the citizens that we are so privileged to serve in southern Chautauqua County." The boards of directors of WCA Hospital and UPMC announced a formal affiliation agreement to integrate WCA Hospital into the UPMC network on back on December 15th of last year.
Gas prices down -- slightly -- in Jamestown-area this week...
Gasoline prices in the Jamestown-area are down -- slightly this week -- to just over $2.48 a gallon for regular, unleaded. That from the AAA's Fuel Gauge Report... which says the price is down 2-10ths of a cent to $2.48.5 this week. The Fuel Gauge says the price was based on reports from 19 local service stations. Last year at this time... the price was $2.94 a gallon. AAA says the current national average is now about $2.36 a gallon. Nationally... the Fuel Gauge says a "tightening supply," combined with strong gasoline demand contributed to pump prices moving higher over the past week. Today’s average price of $2.36 a gallon is a 4-cent per gallon increase since last week’s Memorial Day Holiday.
Celoron Rib Fest heading into busy weekend...
A total of six ribbers are on hand for this year's seventh-annual Celoron Rib-Fest... which is underway through Saturday at Lucille Ball Memorial Park. Mayor Scot Schrecengost says... after a cool, damp start Wednesday... things were looking up... and, there should be warmer weather through the weekend. Schrecengost says five of the rib teams are back again this year. They include 'Sgt. Oinks...' which has been around most every year they've held it in Celoron. In addition... there's 'My Happy Place...' 'Smokin' Joes Hog Wild...' and 'Pigfoot Barbecue.' There's also the new one, "After Hours Barbecue." Schrecengost says eight non-profit organizations in and around Celoron will benefit from the event's proceeds. Today... they'll have two country bands performing... and, they'll have the "Friday Night" bike night at the Rib Fest. They'll have the annual Classic Car Show on Saturday. Hours today are 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and, on Saturday it's 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sponsors include the Shults Auto Group... Cummins Engine Company... Harley-Davidson of Jamestown... Freedom Communications... and, the Media One Group of Stations.
