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WJTN News Headlines for Aug. 31, 2018

It's a simple concept, but there are some challenges to getting the ride-sharing service Uber into the upstate New York region...  
 
However, there are a lot of opportunities as well.  Those are the feelings of local Congressman Tom Reed after a more than one-hour long program and discussion with an Uber official at Jamestown Community College Thursday afternoon.  Reed says there are definate transporation needs in rural areas and, people with vehicles looking for extra money.
 
Reed says ride sharing is something that "makes sense..." and, could also provide an economic boost to the region.  He says that's why they had people from the private sector, including Cummin's Engine in the town of Busti, discussing their needs.  The Corning Republican invited Patrick Lyden of Uber's Government Relations Office, who said Uber has done well during it's short time of operating in places like Buffalo.  Lyden says Uber began operating in New York shortly before July 4th of 2017.
 
 
Late U-S Senator John McCain has been praised this week for his bi-partisanship as a federal lawmaker all this week and, during yesterday's funeral service in his home state of Arizona....  
 
He was also lauded by local Congressman Tom Reed following an event in Jamestown Thursday afternoon.  Reed says McCain's incredible legacy as a member of the U-S Navy, a POW, and lawmaker earned the respect of many Republicans and Democrats.
 
Reed says he got to talk with and visit McCain on a few occasions in Washington, and says he has the upmost respect for what his federal Republican tried to do in Congress.  McCain's casket has arrived in Maryland ahead of ceremonies today at the U.S. Capitol.  His body was flown to Joint Base Andrews outside Washington after a church service Thursday in Phoenix.  Defense Secretary Jim Mattis was at the base to greet McCain's widow, Cindy, and their family. 
 
 
An unidentified man had to be flown to an Erie, Pennsylvania hospital with serious injuries after he was run over by a garbage truck in the town of Gerry late yesterday morning...  
 
Chautauqua County fire dispatchers say that emergency crews were called to the scene at 2302 Edson Road in Sinclairville just after 11:00.  Dispatchers say the truck had been parked, but, apparently went accidently into gear, and moved -- striking the man.  A landing zone was prepared for Starflight Helicopter to land and, the man was flown to UPMC Hamot Medical Center for treatment.  There is no other information available and, whether any charges will be filed.
 
 
A Cattaraugus County woman faces harrassment charges for smearing cow feces on the vehicle of a Department of Social Services Employee's vehicle... 
 
Sheriff's officers in Little Valley say 30 year-old Mary McConnell is also accused of threatening to throw cow feces in the employee's face. Deputies say McConnell turned herself in at the Department, where she was issued appearance tickets for Allegheny Town Court in October for second-degree harrassment and third-degree criminal tampering. 
 
 
A Jamestown man faces four counts of endangering the welfare of a child following a possible stabbing Wednesday afternoon....  
 
City police were called to 614 Spring Street for the incident and found 37 year-old Hector Velez-Velazquez allegedly tried to stab a male victim in front of four children.  Officers say Velazquez is also charged with second-degree menacing.  He was taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for medical treatment, before being transported to the City Jail to await arraignment. 
 
 
The last major travel holiday of summer is about to get underway...  
 
AAA of Western and Central New York expects traffic to be heavy across the state, especially on Monday, Labor Day.  Lindsay Kensy of AAA says it's important for travelers to prepare for their trip before hitting the highway, including letting someone else man the GPS device, staying off cellphones, and packing up before you leave. 
 
Kensy says drivers should also avoid distractions.  And they should obey the state's "Move Over Law" that's been on the books for a few years.  She says any type of vehicle that has it's lights on and, is marked as an emergency or police vehicle, drivers must pull over for them.  Thruway traffic is expected to increase by at least 10-percent on Labor Day, compared to an average Monday.  The state is expected to suspend construction projects during the holiday weekend, but travelers are reminded to check road conditions by calling 511 or by visiting 511ny.org.
 
 
Families with students attending the Falconer Central School district's main campus are asked to take note of some new traffic patterns around the schools there....  
 
Superintendent Stephen Penhollow says they have made changes in order to keep drop off traffic separated from school buses. In addition, a new traffic light has just been installed at the intersection on Main Street and East Avenue, right next to the school.  Penhollow says full details are posted on the school's website.  The Falconer School's Facebook page has a video outlining the traffic flow at the Temple School in Kennedy.  Falconer is among the local schools that open Tuesday.  Others will be starting up Wednesday, and a few on Thursday. 
 
 
A city man has been charged with possession of child pornography after the defendant's sister found concerning pictures on his cellphone...  
 
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Moellering -- who is handling the case -- says the Jamestown Police Department received a complaint in July from a parent that her two minor children may have been sexually abused by 33 year-old Matthew Bailer.  Bailer was intially arrested on a warrant out of Missouri for a burglary case and, a search of his Nokia cellphone revealed several hundred sexually explicit pictures of pre-pubescent girls and boys.  The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by JPD along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  If convicted, Bailer faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
 
 
A local man known for his efforts to create interest in trade schools and manufacturing among area students is taking on some additional work duties at one particular school this year...    
 
Chautauqua County Education Coalition Director Justin Hanft was hired earlier this year to be the new Head Coach of the Maple Grove High School Football Team.  Hanft says he sought the post after long-time coach Curt Fischer resigned earlier this year.
 
Hanft was an offensive lineman during his career, which took him to Mount Union College for his Freshman year and, his final three years were at Alfred University in Alfred, New York.  He was also an assistant as a graduate student.  Hanft says he's blessed this year because the program is in great shape, thanks to the previous work by Fischer and, he has several returning players.  Maple Grove plays Springville tonight.  Fischer will be head coach at Chautauqua Lake this year.