There is now a Winter Storm Warning in effect for Chautauqua County and other parts of western New York as the latest storm system moves into the area....
Forecaster Jon Hitchcock with the National Weather Service says that a strong front is moving through the region, bringing arctic air into the area. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches are possible, with blowing snow. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening commute today.
Three major suppliers of crystal methamphetime in southern Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties are jailed on Felony charges following a drug raid in the town of Randolph.....
The Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force assisted members of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force in arresting the trio at 128 Main Street in Randolph Wednesday night. Police took 34 year-old Mark Maio and 28 year-old Brittany Dellahoy of the Main Street address into custody, along with 32 year-old Brandon Smith of Wescott Street in Jamestown. Drug agents say they found crystal meth that was bagged for sale, along with marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Maio and Dellahoy are each charged with one count of first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and, Smith with criminal possession with intent to sell. All three were arraigned, and sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail.
Former Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace is returning to where his law enforcement career began and, will be director of Campus Security and Safety at Chautauqua Institution.....
In fact, Gerace tells us he began working at the institution this past Tuesday in that position and, will replace retiring Chief Alan Akin this Fall. He says it's an honor to be back where he started his career in the late 1970s.
Institution officials officially announced Gerace's appointment this afternoon. Chautauqua's Vice-President of Campus Planning and Operations, John Shedd, says they are - quote - "elated to welcome Joe to our year-round staff. His leadership as sheriff ensured the safety and security of multiple generations of Institution residents and visitors, and this community is fortunate to benefit now even more directly from his experience and service." Gerace says he look's "forward to working with the wonderful employees, residents and guests on this historic campus.
Chautauqua County has unveiled a new, Centralized Arraignment Program that is the first of it's kind in western New York and, the ribbon has been cut on the new CAP in a public area of the County Jail.....
Eighth-Judicial District Administrative Judge Paula Feroleto says local justices have conducted more than 40 arraignments since the program began earlier this month. However, Feroleto says the Eighth-District is trailing other parts of the state in opening CAPs.
Feroleto says there are several advantages for having centralized arraignment, including not having attorneys on call have to travel to Silver Creek for a 2 AM arraignment, then the town of Busti for another at 4 AM. The county's CAP courtroom is part of a statewide pilot program that resulted from a state court of appeals case that requiring the availability of counsel for poor defendants. The Chautauqua County CAP will conduct arraignments, as needed, every day, including weekend and holidays from 8-11 am and 7-10 pm.
Now that the U-S Senate has rejected separate bills to reopen the federal government, lawmakers are hopeful it may spur some movement for some kind of bi-partisan agreement.....
One of those lawmakers is local Congressman Tom Reed, who says it's likely a matter of getting everyone in leadership together. Democrats say they want the government open before negotiations begin, but President Trump and Congressional Republicans want border security funding. Reed says Trump is not demanding a "sea-to-shinning sea" wall.
Reed says the only bi-partisan discussion between lawmakers and President Trump has involved the "Problem Solver's Caucus" that he co-chairs. But, he also says he's heard one leading Democrat voice support for a "Smart Wall..." which is a use of technology he also supports. Asked if it's more a matter of who the president is, Reed says it is -- as well as politics. He says there are members on both sides of the aisle who are saying privately -- and publically -- that "this is lunacy."
New York lawmakers have voted to extend state financial aid to students brought into the country illegally as children....
The Senate passed the so-called Dream Act on Wednesday, followed quickly by the Assembly. Democrat Governor Andrew Cuomo has said he'll sign the measure. The bill had been blocked by Senate Republicans for years but gained new momentum when Democrats took control of the chamber last fall. To be eligible, a student must have a New York high school diploma. The bill is expected to cost $27-million . Democrats said it's wrong to deny educational opportunities to New York children because of where they were born. Republicans opposed the bill, saying it's unfair to taxpayers. California, Texas and four other states already have similar laws.
