Torch relay for Empire State Winter Games to begin Monday morning in Jamestown...
The city of Jamestown will host the first-leg of the Empire State Winter Games torch relay... which begins early next Monday morning. It's the first time in the games' 38 year run that the relay has begun at the "Western Door" of New York state... and, Mayor Sam Teresi calls it a "big honor." Teresi says the city was first approached about two months ago by Winter Games organizers... and, he says a brief ceremony starts everything at 6 a.m. in front of the National Comedy Center. He says they were contacted by game organizers about 6 to 8 weeks ago, and they've been working out logistics since then. Teresi announced that Jamestown will host the first leg of the torch's trek to Lake Placid on his Facebook page Friday morning. He says the torch will be carried along the city's Riverwalk trail to South Main Street... then travel north and out of the city. Teresi has been asked to make a few opening remarks... and he will carry the torch either during the first or second-leg of the relay Monday. The 39th annual Empire State Winter Games run Jan. 31 through Feb. 3.
With snowmobile trails unable to be opened, DMV will remain closed today...
Chautauqua County Clerk Larry Barmore has announced that the Mayville Department of Motor Vehicles office will not be open today (Saturday, Jan. 26) as previously scheduled. Barmore says that's because local snowmobile trails will not be open this weekend. He says the Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club has told them they will definitely not be open because the trails are still too wet. In talking with other clubs... they have said they would like to open, but there is so much water on the trails that it will probably be impossible to open. If snowy conditions continue, the trails should be opened by next weekend.
Rosas outlines new projects in Dunkirk's State of the City Address...
Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas delivered his annual State of the City message yesterday afternoon at Dunkirk City Hall. His message included a look back at 2018 as well as plans for 2019. Among the projects coming to Dunkirk, he says, is a new waterfront hotel. Rosas says plans are shaping up for the long awaited $11-million dollar Wyndham Hotel project. He says the four story building will have 85 rooms, and a pool. Rosas also says the city is also committed to bringing a methadone clinic to the city. He says discussions continue with the nonprofit community service provide Acacia Network. Rosas says Acacia is still looking at three different sites... and, should have a decision within a month or so. Among other projects slated for 2019... the relocation of the city's animal shelter to the dog park that the city began work on in 2018.
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It's the time of year for State of the City Addresses. Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi is slated to give his annual State of the City Address at this coming Monday's City Council voting session. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Apthorpe blasts state aid proposal in Cuomo's budget plan...
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo released his 2019-2020 Executive Budget in Albany last Tuesday. The Democrat is proposing a $769-million dollar boost in state school aid as part of the $175-billion spending plan. While that includes a 1.4-percent increase for the Jamestown School District... Superintendent Bret Apthorpe says it's not enough to even cover the rate of inflation. Apthorpe says if the governor would have followed state law on "what state schools require..." Jamestown would have received about $8-million dollars more in funding to meet student need. The superintendent's comments come after the Small Schools Lawsuit was ruled in favor of New York state by Supreme Court Justice Kimberly O'Connor.
Three PA residents arrested on drug charges following car crash in Kiantone...
Three people from Pennsylvania were arrested in the town of Kiantone after various drugs were found in their possession during a motor vehicle crash investigation last Tuesday. State Police in Jamestown responded to the crash on Route 62.... and, allegedly saw methamphetamine in plain sight on the back seat of the car. Troopers say a search additionally found crack, heroin, several pills.... needles containing heroin residue.... crack and meth pipes and other items. As the driver -- 27 year-old Zachary Miller of Warren -- was arrested... Police learned that his Youngsville passenger -- 30 year-old Matthew VanArsdale -- had an active warrant out of Carroll Town Court. The second passenger -- 28 year-old Samantha Kitchen -- was also taken into custody. They were sent to the Chautauqua County Jail pending arraignment.
Lakewood woman part of cast for "Disney on Ice" program in Buffalo this weekend...
Many residents of Chautauqua County travel to Buffalo during the year for the annual "Disney on Ice" shows when they come to the KeyBank Center. However... this year's show will have a decidedly "local flavor." Lakewood's Morgan Johnson will be one of the performers for the U-S Show... which is in Buffalo for six shows through Sunday night. Morgan's mother, Lisa, says "Worlds of Enchantment" tour is a fun, but very busy show. It includes portions of the movie's "Frozen," "Toy Story," "Little Mermaid," and "Cars." Morgan plays one charactor in each story. Lisa Johnson says her daughter hopes to spend a few years with the show at least... and possibly work her way into Disney's international ice show. Disney on Ice will have three shows today... and, two more on Sunday.
