A Cattaraugus County woman was killed early last weekend when her car went through an intersection... and, slammed into a tree not far from her Great Valley home. Sheriff's officers in Little Valley say 34 year-old Teresa Bergeron of 4875 Humphrey Road was southbound on Route 219 shortly after 6 PM last Friday when her vehicle failed to stop at the four-way intersection with Humphrey Road. Deputies say the car struck the tree... and, Bergerson and her two children were taken to Olean General Hospital. She was later transferred to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo... where she later died. Bergeron's children... ages 2 and 4... were treated at Olean General and released. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
A north county man faces several charges following a domestic dispute in the town of Hanover early last weekend. Sheriff's officers say they were called to the scene on Buffalo Street in Silver Creek shortly after 11 PM Friday for a reported altercation. Deputies say... upon further investigation... 36 year-old David Brill, Junior... got involved in a fight while two youths were present. Brill was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child... and, one count each of of second-degree unlawful imprisonment... and, harassment. He was arraigned in Hanover Town Court... and, posted bail after being sent to the county jail in Mayville.
State lawmakers ended the 2016 legislative session early last Saturday morning, missing another opportunity to significantly address Albany's corruption problem. The legislature adjourned shortly after 5 AM Saturday after passing only a handful of more modest ethics-related measures. Local Assemblyman Andy Goodell says he was pleased to see some legislation approved... but, was disappointed that others -- including one he proposed -- did not go forward. Good government groups support 'pension-stripping...' but, say it's unlikely to deter future corruption, since apparently federal prison time hasn't stopped it in the past. Another would strengthen laws restricting supposedly independent political groups from working with campaigns to circumvent campaign finance laws, and make changes to disclosure rules for lobbyists and political consultants. Otherwise... Goodell says he was pleased with a number of actions lawmakers were able to take... including the increase lawmakers added to education aid. He was also pleased to see road and bridge projects funded on par with the downstate region.
Popular daily fantasy sports sites still face uncertainty in New York even after state lawmakers passed legislation designed to regulate them. The state attorney general says Saturday he'll pursue previously filed false advertising and consumer fraud claims against the country's top two companies. Companies FanDuel and DraftKings had stopped operating in New York in March pending the passage of a bill that would legalize the online games. Legislators in Albany voted early Saturday to regulate and tax the matches. But... under the March stipulation, the companies can't start operating until the legislation is signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
FanDuel and DraftKings have long argued their contests are games of skill, not chance. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman disagreed. He sued them, and called them illegal gambling operations.
A Frewsburg man has been charged with resisting arrest... and, refusing to comply with officers following an incident last week in the town of Carroll. State Police say troopers approached 69 year-old Richard Ockerhausen when he was observed standing in the middle of Wigren Road. Police accuse Ockerhausen of acting disorderly by refusing to move for traffic... and, yelling obscenities for no apparent reason. He then refused to comply with officers after being advised that he was under arrest. Once restrained, Ockerhausen was arraigned in Carroll Town Hall on two counts of disorderly conduct, and one of resisting arrest. He posted bail, and was released.
There'll again be plenty of fun and exercise on tap with Jamestown's annual Summer Playground Program... beginning a week from today. However... the 5 to 13 year-olds will also get help this year with their reading and other skills. That from City Parks and Recreation Coordinator Julia Ciesla-Hanley... who says they've teammed up with the Prendergast Library to take part in their Summer Reading Program. In addition... Ciesla-Hanley says they'll have their "Tree Day" program again this year... led by City Arborist Dan Stone at Nordstrom Park. The kids will get to help plant a tree at the park, and learn more about Jamestown's tree program. Ciesla-Hanley... adds though... that they'll still have their usual games, and other activities including Kick-Ball and arts and crafts. The five locations for the Summer Playground Program will be Fletcher Elementary School... Allen Park... the Lillian Dickson Tot Lot... Nordstrom Park... and, Ring Elementary School. The program runs through August 5th.
State environmental officials say the regular harvest season for largemouth and smallmouth bass is now open. That means that beginning Saturday, anglers will now be able to keep up to five bass with a minimum size of 12 inches on most waters. The deadline marks the end of catch-and-release season. Once the bass season is underway, all New York fishing seasons will be open. There are still some special regulations on certain waterways. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos says anglers should check the current Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide before heading out.
A state agency says it has published a resource guide for new and expectant fathers in time for Father's Day. New York's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance says the "Driver's Manual for New Dads" has been distributed to hospitals. It covers topics ranging from establishing legal paternity to changing diapers. The booklet emphasizes the importance of fathers being involved in their children's lives and being a good partner to the child's mother. More than 40,000 of the brochures are being distributed to birthing hospitals across the state.
