A seven-year effort by local Congressman Tom Reed, and others was culminated by yesterday's roll-out of the Republican 'Tax Cut and Jobs Plan' in Washington, D.C.
The Corning Republican joined other members of the House Ways and Means Committee to roll-out the 400 page tax plan on Capitol Hill. Reed called an "historic" proposal, which would save the average American family of four, $1600 a year on their federal taxes.
The devil will remain in the details of the plan, which are still being fleshed-out by many lawmakers. However, Reed says the new proposal will eliminate many of the deductions that have complicated the system for decades.
While most news reports say the State and Local Tax deduction has been eliminated, Reed says property taxes can still be deducted. However, the amount would be capped at $10,000.
At the same time, Reed says other state and local taxes, like the deduction on state income taxes, would no longer be available. He made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media.
The first-phase of a two-part project to hook about 10 residents in the village of Celoron into the Board of Public Utilities' water system will finally begin shortly.
That from Celoron Mayor Scot Schrecengost, who says the village board Wednesday night approved spending about $50,000 from fund balance for the project on Butler Avenue and 10th Street.
Schrecengost says they have the money available and, will be reimbursed once they receive $75,000 state grant with the help of State Senator Cathy Young. He says the customer will be responsible for putting in their new lines, and hooking up to a new main.
Schrecengost says village officials are hopeful of having customers being able to access to the water by Thanksgiving, with the second phase to take place next Spring.
A north county man has admitted to conspiring to commit bank fraud using alleged "shell corporations" to take money from small business customers who were looking to restructure loans.
Acting U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Junior announced late yesterday that 24 year-old Dustin Walker of Dunkirk pled guilty in U-S District Court in Buffalo. Prosecutors say Walker and two co-defendants worked at companies, one called "Corporate Restructure" between February and October of 2016.
The three, along with others, allegedly used several fraudulent companies to mail solicitations to small business owners... which fraudulently informed the victims that their fraudulent companies could assist them with restructuring their debts. However, Walker and the others pocketed the money.
The conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in state prison and a $1-million fine.
Two north county women were arrested for allegedly making methamphetamine in separate locations Wednesday during warrant checks in the town of Hanover and, village of Silver Creek.
Sheriff's officers say they conducted warrant checks for 29 year-old Amanda Weber and 25 year-old Heather Payne just before 11 AM and 2 PM. Both women were located and taken into custody without incident.
Deputies say the women were arraigned on charges including third-degree unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine and, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and, sent to the county jail without bail.
The third and final debate between the candidates running for Chautauqua County Clerk was held in Fredonia Wednedsay night.
Incumbent Republican Larry Barmore and Democratic challenger LeeAnn Lazarony squared off at the 1891 Opera House. The candidates were asked by the Chautauqua County League Women Voters, which hosted the event, what they felt was the most important issue in the County Clerk's office.
Lazarony believes it's about keeping politics out of the office, and Barmore says it was the many laws facing the office. Wednesday night's forum also featured candidates running for Fredonia village board, Pomfret town council, and County legislative District 3.
A pair of men from the area have purchased the historic Cockaigne Ski Center which was closed more than six-years ago after fire destroyed the center's lodge.
Issac Gratto and Adam Pirtz were recently approved for a $500,000 loan from the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency to purchase the Cherry Creek business and, are waiting to close on the sale with current owner Jack Van Scoter. County Executive Vince Horrigan says it's part of a lot of "exciting" developments in the Cherry Creek, and north county areas.
The Trillium Lodge was destroyed by a huge fire this past May 1st. However, a community effort has led to it's rebuild and, the owners hope to reopen soon.
Horrigan says there's still a lot of work to be done at Cockaigne and, Gratto and Pirtz hope to open the new ski area for the 2018 Winter Season. He says the new ski lodge and area will include a new restaurant and bar area and, a home and restaurant across the street will be leased out.
A Ripley man is jailed without bail on a number of charges including burglary after refusing to surrender to police on Halloween night at a home in the town of Ripley.
Sheriff's deputies say they were doing a warrant check at a Maple Avenue location shortly before 11 PM and, saw 31 year-old Skyler Miller inside. However, officers say Miller initially refused to come out and, they obtained a search warrant the following day and, he was arrested at that time.
Miller was arraigned on the charges, which include second-degree burglar and harassment, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, and forcible touching, stemming from a May 24th incident on Boswell Street. He was then sent to county lock-up.
