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News Headlines for Sat., Feb. 24, 2018

Borrello named new Economic Development, and Community Development directors...
Chautauqua County will soon have a new director of Economic Development... and, a new head of planning that will report directly to County Executive George Borrello.  Borrello announced Friday afternoon in Mayville the return of former Deputy Director of Planning and Economic Development Mark Geise... who has been Monroe County Director of Economic Development for the past 18 months.  He says Geise will have the new position of Deputy County Executive for Economic Development... and, he'll be representing the county "in all of these negotiations (on development and adding jobs)."  He says current Deputy Director of Planning and Development, Don McCord, will become the new Director of Planning and Community Development... which will focus more on planning to align that with their economic development strategies.  Borrello says Geise will also head up the county's Industrial Development Agency.  He adds that the moves reflect his desire to better align the county's ability to better market and deliver services to help grow and attract businesses. 
 
 
Interim IDA Director is "excited" to have Mark Geise back working in the county...
The announcement of Mark Geise returning to Chautauqua County to be the new head of economic development and the IDA "very exciting."  That from County IDA Interim Director, and Chief Financial Officer Rich Dixon.  Dixon has been heading up the IDA since previous director Kevin Sanvidge retired late last year.  Dixon says Geise has a proven track-record of achievement in the county... including doing a lot of work to make the county's Land Bank work so well.  Geise first came to the county in 2009 as Deputy Director of Planning and Economic Development... and was there until 2016 when he left for a short time to work with the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation.  Dixon says Geise was heavily involved in creating 25-miles of equestrial trails in the county.  He adds that IDA staff is "ecstatic" to have Mark back.
 
 
Chagnon says Audit and Control Committee looks at financial concerns from 2017...
There is some concern over where a number of areas in Chautauqua County's 2017 budget wound up at the end of the past year.  The chairman of the County Legislature's Audit and Control Committee says a key one goes back to the end of 2016 when lawmakers approved a contract extension with the union representing Sheriff's Department deputy officers.  Pierre Chagnon says county finance leaders said the new contract "would not have much of an impact" on last year's budget... but, he says that wound up being false.  Chagnon says it had a "dramatic impact" on last years budget... and, wound up costing the county an additional $700,000.  He adds they also found a few other revenue areas of the Sheriff's Department budget came up short.  Chagnon says they want more information on how the shortfalls to see what happened... and how to avoid them in 2018.  Chagnon says they also found issues with the Assigned Counsel part of the District Attorney's budget... along with a shortfall in the county's new "Fly-Car" ambulance service. 
 
 
High Wind Watch in effect for region...
Get ready for some strong winds starting late tonight... and, continuing through much of Sunday.  The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch for both Chautauqua and Erie counties from 2 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Sunday.  Forecaster Kirk Apffel in Buffalo says strong winds will develop as a weather system passes to the west of the area.  Appfel says southwest winds will be about 20 to 30 mph sustained... with gusts of 50 mph possible.  He says shallow-rooted trees may be downed more easily with the recently thawed and saturated soil conditions.  Travel may become hazardous for high profile vehicles.
 
 
Two arrested during drug bust-traffic stop in Jamestown...
A Jamestown man and his passenger face several charges after city police allegedly found a quantity of controlled substances in a vehicle during a traffic stop Thursday afternoon.  Officers say the stop occurred in the area of East Second and Jeffords Streets. Investigation revealed that the operator -- 33 year-old Michael Davis -- was driving on a suspended license and in violation of an interlock restriction.  Further investigation showed that Davis was in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine and oxycodone tablets.  His passenger, 35 year-old Tiffany Farnham of South Dayton, was also allegedly found in possession of a quantity of Meth, oxycodone tablets... and, ecstasy.  Both Davis and Farnham were taken to city jail pending arraignment.
 
 
Man and woman arrested during traffic stop in Jamestown after weapons are found...
A South Carolina man and his passenger were arrested after two weapons were allegedly found in their vehicle during traffic stop on Jamestown's eastside last Wednesday night.  City police conducted the stop at 1392 East Second St. at 5:30 p.m. for a traffic infraction.  Investigation revealed the driver, 35 year-old William Davis, provided a false name.... and, his passenger, 27 year-old Tina Stockman of Falconer, was allegedly in possession of a loaded 9-millimeter handgun and silver switch-blade knife was also located inside the vehicle.  Davis was charged with false personation and several traffic and vehicle violations. Stockman was charged with second-degree and fourth-degree criminal possesion of a weapon. They are being held in city jail pending arraignment. 
 
 
St. Susan's Basket Fair to be held on St. Patrick's Day...
The next major fund-raiser for the Jamestown-area's largest soup kitchen will have a distinct "luck of the Irish" feel to it.  The St. Susan's Centers 15th annual Basket Fair will be held on St. Patrick's Day... Saturday, March 17th... at Jamestown Community College.  That from Center Executive Director Jeff Smith... who says this year's theme is "Find Your Pot of Gold..." and, he says they hope to have at least as many baskets to raffle off as last year -- 138.  The event begins at 10 a.m., and, people can view the baskets until 2 p.m., which is when the drawings will begin.  Smith says they're also looking for more baskets to give away.  For more information... call 664-2253.