The Jamestown City Council has approved nearly $200,000 in additional funding improvements in the grandstand and roof at Russell Diethrick Park... 

 

Lawmakers first approved a $111,000 increase for the painting project after lead-based paint was found in parts of the stadium that were last upgraded in 1984.  Mayor Sam Teresi says council's action allows work on the affected areas, which include the ceiling and steel beams, to move forward.

 

In addition, Teresi says council agreed to use $87,000 from the 2018 budget's Contingency account for further roofing projects at the stadium.  He says that should be enough to cover the cost, but he adds they're looking for other funding streams to at least cover some of that cost.  Teresi says the Jamestown Jammers Collegiate Summer League season begins a week from this Friday, June 1. 

 

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City lawmakers last night also approved receiving a pair of grants to help further development of the West Second Street Streetscape project and, the new playground at Chadakoin Park. The grant for the streetscape from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation is for $136,000.  The city will be applying to the KaBoom!! Foundation for a grant for the Chadakoin Park Playground project.  More details to follow.

 

 

Chautauqua County officials hope that the federal Department of Transportation approves the proposal submitted by Boutique Airways to provide air service to the county...  

 

County Executive George Borello says the county and Boutique Air have submitted a joint application to DOT's Essential Air Service program.  Borrello says it's important to bring commercial air service back to the airport in Jamestown, after Southern Airways ended its service in January.

 

Borrello says one key difference is that the San Fransico-based airline has a code-share agreement with amajor air carrier.  However, he says he can't identify that carrier right now.  Borrello says he is working with local Congressman Tom Reed and New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand in getting the EAS program to provide subsidies for flights by Boutique.  Southern Air had lost EAS funding due to the limited number of customers taking flights.

 

 

New York Republicans will choose candidates for statewide office tomorrow in Manhattan...  

 

Randy Elf of West Ellicott hopes they pick him for Attorney General and, he says he's gearing up to deliver a "speech of a lifetime."  Elf says Republican leaders across the state urged him to get in the race back in January.  Only one other Republican had any interest, until Democratic incumbent, Eric Schneiderman, abruptly resigned earlier this month.

 

Elf, who has practiced law privately and at the Federal Elections Commission, says he wants to bring 'decency and honor' back to the Attorney General's office, and restore respect for the 'constitutional boundaries around government's power.'  (Republicans will make their choice for Attorney General sometime Wednesday afternoon.)

 

 

A city man is jailed for allegedly using a three-foot long sword to damage and destroy more than $2,000 worth of property during a domestic incident last weekend...  

 

Jamestown police were called to the scene at 136 Park Street about 2:30 a.m. Saturday for a woman calling for help.  Officers learned on arrival that the woman's boyfriend, 24 year-old Christopher Mancari, had allegedly damaged or destroyed $2,150 worth of property.  Mancari was arrested for first-degree criminal contempt, second-degree criminal mischief and, aggravated family offense.  He was jailed pending arraignment.

 

 

A wanted Jamestown man faces drug possession charges after leading police on a foot chase early Sunday morning... 

 

City police stopped a man riding a bicycle eastbound on McKinley Avenue just before 4 a.m. for allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road without lights.  Officers say after identifying the rider as 44 year-old Christopher Cleveland, he took off on foot and, was arrested following a short chase. He was found to be in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine and a hypodermic needle. Officers say Cleveland was also found to have an outstanding bench warrant out of the County Sheriff's Office. He was taken to city jail for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminally possessing a hypodermic needle, obstruction and traffic infractions. He's being held pending arraignment. 

 

 

The third-annual LECOM Health Challenge golf tournament is coming to Peek'n Peak July 2-8, 2018...  

 

At a media preview yesterday, Bo DeHuff, Business and Sponsor Relations Director for the Professional Golf Association said the Peak is a popular stop on the Web.com Tour.  The event is open to the public beginning Thursday, July 5, the day Hope's Windows will provide free admission to all, veternans, military members, and first responders.  Otherwise, spectator tickets are $10 per day and $25 for the tournament.  Peek'n Peak co-owner Nick Scott, says Chautauqua County gets a real privilege when the players hit the course.  He says it's great to see the players of tomorrow competiting on a championship course.  County Executive George Borello says the LECOM Tournament stimulates tourism and the economy on both sides of the New York-Pennsylvania border.  More information, and opportunities to volunteer, can be found at Lecomhealthchallenge.com

 

 

People from both sides of the political aisle in Chautauqua County are fondly remembering former, long-time County Clerk Sandy Sopak, who passed away last Friday...  

 

The Falconer Funeral Home is handing arrangments for Sopak, who died at her Falconer home last Friday at the age of 78.  She was first elected as Poland Town Clerk, many years ago, and, was elected Chautauqua County Clerk in 1993.  County Executive George Borrello says she became well-known during her five-terms in office.  Borrello calls Sopak a "strong leader..." yet someone who "was a wonderfully nice person."  Sandy Sopak was also a member of the New York State County Clerk Association and served as President before she retired in 2013.  Her funeral will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Levant Weslyan Church.

 

 

Announcement... 

 

The annual Special Olympics at Strider Field in Jamestown will be held this Wednesday due to inclement weather predicted for today.  That from local Coordinator Bob Gould, who says the forecast looks much better for Wednesday.  The opening ceremonies at Strider Field begin Wednesday at 9:45 AM... with the competition starting at 10:15.