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WJTN News Headlines

Two men have been arrested in simultaneous raids in downtown Jamestown for allegedly trafficking cocaine... and, one also allegedly peddling bath salts.  City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, and the state Police C-NET Team... conducted the raids with the help of the JPD SWAT Team... about 6 AM Tuesday.  Samuelson says they arrested 31 year-old Rashid Jabbar at 734 East Second Street. Samuelson adds that... at the 801 West Fifth Street location... members of the task force, and City and State Police K-9 units... also found a quantity of prescription pills, and a small amount -- 2 grams -- of the synthetic drug known as "bath salts."   He says they also found a stun gun at that location.  Samuelson says they're glad to have that off the street.  He says both are charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminally using drug paraphernalia.  Chandler is also charged with criminal possession of a weapon.  Anyone with information on illegal narcotics trafficking in the immediate Jamestown area is asked to call 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.

 

Two former Columbian officials who helped lead a political transformation in the city of Medellin says their country -- as a whole -- is now moving in "the right direction."   For three decades... Medellin has been wracked by violence due to the drug trade, and political corruption.  However... former Mayor Sergio Fajarado... and, Columbian Ambassador to the U-S... Carolina Barco says they now have a "wonderful country."  Fajardo says that's because they were educated "outside" the country. In fact... Barco was born in Massachusetts... the daughter of former Columbian President Virgilio Barco... and, says the problems started when former Drug Lord Pablo Escobar gained political influence... and, Medellin became the "murder capitol" of the world.  She says they took to the streets to "push back" against the corruption.  Fajardo says "walking the streets" allowed them to build their political movement.  Both spoke as part of "The Future of Cities" Week at Chautauqua Institution... and, also spoke Tuesday morning with our Dennis Webster and Matt Warren.

 

At one time... the Medellin Cartel that was controlled by Pablo Escobar was supplying 80-percent of the cocaine being bought illegally in the United States.  Cocaine remains a problem in the U-S... but, the major problem is now with Heroin and other Opioid drugs.  Sergio Fajarado and Carolina Barco both say that curbing demand is the way to stem the flow of drugs into the U-S.  Barco says fighting the drug lords helps... but, it's not enough. Fajardo says the fight needs to take place in the individual communities that have the problems... using prevention, education... and, treating the problem as a health issue, as well.  Both were featured lecturer's Tuesday at Chautauqua.

 

A Bemus Point man had to be helped from the waters of Chautauqua Lake early last evening after he fell off a small fishing boat near Oriental Park.  Sheriff's Department navigation officers say the unidentied, 60 year-old man was unable to get back into the boat... and, had been floating in the water about 30 minutes.  Deputies say the man complained of leg numbness and was unable to stand.  Officers got into the water with him... and, lifted him into a patrol boat and met Bemus Point fire rescue personnel.  He was then evaluated and assisted by the rescue crews.

 

An investigation is underway into a fatal, head-on crash on Route 5 in the town of Brant.  The crash... which happened shortly before 9 Tuesday morning... sent three people to the hospital.  The Erie County Sheriff's Office says one of the victims, a female, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Erie County Medical Center.  The names of the victims have not been released at this time.  A portion of Route 5, between Route 438 and Route 429, was closed for several hours. 

 

The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency has acquired 66-acres of land from Bush Industries in the town of Ellicott to market as a "shovel-ready" site.  County Executive Vince Horrigan says the IDA board Tuesday approved a resolution to acquire the property... located on Peck-Settlement Road in the Mason Industrial Park.  Bush Industries' Chief Executive Officer Jim Garde says "we were happy to partner with the IDA so they could purchase the unused land behind our corporate facility."  Horrigan adds that the county legislature recently accepted 200-thousand dollars in grant funds from Empire State Development for infrastructure improvements to enhance shovel ready sites.  He adds the IDA will work closely with the county on this prime Industrial-Commercial property, to take this shovel ready site to the "next level."  Those include putting an access road in place... along with utilities... and, hiring local engineers.

 

Several of the top rodeo cowboys and cowgirls will be in Chautauqua County over the next several days for the 72nd annual Gerry Rodeo.  The longest-running rodeo east of the Mississippi River gets underway tonight at the Rodeo grounds on Route 60.  Spokesman Paul Cooley says there are nearly 200 participants signed up... with several entered into two or more events.  Thanks to their sponsors... Cooley says they're able to offer a 45-thousand dollar purse this year. Cooley says they have plenty of entrants for their seven different catagories... including 64 women barrel racers.  The event has come a long way since 1945... when a man from out west -- Jim Eskew -- brought up the idea of a rodeo as a fund-raiser for the new Gerry Volunteer Fire Department.  The rodeo runs now through Saturday nights... with performances each night beginning at 8 PM.  The fire department's famous beef barbecue will be available to purchase each night beginning at 5 PM.  Cooley says "combo" tickets for both the rodeo and barbecue are available.  For more information call 985-4847... or go on-line to Gerryrodeo-dot-ORG.

 


Two big block parties by Neighborhood Watch Group's highlighted the 31st annual "National Night Out" against crime in Jamestown last night.  It provides an opportunity for police officials and city residents to meet informally to talk about ways to combat crime in their neighborhoods.  It also serves to encourage people to take a stand against crime in their communities.  Jamestown Police Captain Bob Samuelson says it's goes hand-in-hand with the city's growing Neighborhood Watch program. Samuelson says last night's activities on Chestnut Street ran from 6 to 8 PM.  Chief Harry Snellings was also to make an appearance during the Harris Avenue during the evening.

 

A western New York man is dead after state police say his tractor overturned and landed on him.  Police say 62-year-old Richard Gasbarre was operating his 1953 Ford Jubilee tractor while tilling his backyard in Bolivar on Monday afternoon, when he backed over a break wall, causing the tractor to overturn.  The Allegany County coroner pronounced him dead at the scene.