Three Jamestown residents arrested for alleged drug trafficking, weapons possession....
Three Jamestown residents have been arrested after a raid at their home on the city's southside turned up a significant amount of drugs and weapons just before Noon yesterday. City police say officers, and members of the JPD SWAT Team... and, the Southern Tier Regional, and Jamestown Metro Drug Task Forces executed a search warrant at 320 Newland Avenue about 11:45 a.m. Police spotted the three trying to jump off a second-story porch... and, they arrested 35 year-old Richard Kinsey... 39 year-old Terrance McRae... and, 23 year-old Brandi Whitford. One allegedly threw a loaded 25-calibur hand-gun into the street while trying to jump. Agents found 9-ounces of methamphetamine, fentanyl, hydrocodone and other drugs inside the house... along with three stolen, loaded shotguns and several rounds of ammunition. They also found $11,000 cash. All three face several Felony charges, and are awaiting arraignment.
Jamestown school administration investigating bullying video...
The investigation is continuing into a series of troubling videos involving possible Jamestown school students. In a printed release... District Superintendent Bret Apthorpe says he was made aware of the footage Thursday evening and officials are taking appropriate disciplinary action. Apthorpe continues --quote -- "As a district, we are not legally allowed to share details about individual student disciplinary actions. However, I can assure the community that any situation that includes bullying and harassment will result in suspensions and/or restorative practices such as counseling, bullying prevention classes and community service." Apthorpe says the district will always take immediate and stringent action when it comes to the safety of all students... and, has a zero tolerance policy regarding the behavior displayed in the videos, during or after school hours. The complete statement can be found at jpsny.org.
Prior to bullying incident, JPS had a good first day back to class...
It was back to school for students across Chautauqua County this week... with Jamestown's coming Thursday. Up until the bullying incident Thurday night... District Superintendent Bret Apthorpe says it was an incredible day, with him starting the day at Ring Elementary School, about 1/2 hour prior to classes starting. He talked to a number of kids who had Marvel comics in their backpacks. Apthorpe says he also visited the newly opened Rogers Success Academy, a volunteer school where 75 students, so far, are attending during the 2019-2020 school year to get their academics back on track. With today being the first full day of classes... Apthorpe says students received several homegrown products in the cafeteria for breakfast and lunch, including locally produced corn-on-the-cob and dairy. This is one of many new initiatives he's put in place for the school year.
Randolph man arrested for alleged sexual abuse...
A Cattaraugus County man is held on $20,000 bail for first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. Sheriff's officers with the Criminal Investigation Bureau in Little Valley say their investigation led to the arrest of 58 year-old Douglas Bailey, Jr. of Randolph for allegedly committing the crimes. Bailey man was arraigned in South Valley Court and remanded to the county jail.
Man arrested for menacing during domestic incident in Falconer...
A Jamestown area man has been arrested for menacing after allegedly displaying a hand-gun during a domestic incident involving his girlfriend in Falconer. Ellicott Town Police were called to the scene last Sunday... and investigation showed that 37 year-old Nathaniel Fleming allegedly spit in the woman's face several times, and pulled out the hand-gun. Officers obtained a warrant... and Fleming was later arrested on charges of second-degree menacing, and second-degree harassment. He was jailed pending arraignment.
Durniok appointed as permanent President at UPMC Chautauqua Hospital...
The interim president at UPMC Chautauqua Hospital has now been named permanent president of the Jamestown institution. Brian Durniok was appointed as interim president last January, following the retirement of Betsy Wright. Officials say Durniok has more than two decades of service to UPMC. He first joined UPMC Horizon in Mercer County, Pa. in 1995 as director of human resources. UPMC Chautauqua Board Chairman Steve Kilburn says "Brian is a highly qualified and experienced candidate with a demonstrated track record of success in leadership positions. During his relatively short time at UPMC Chautauqua, he has helped the hospital make considerable progress and position us for long-term success."
Reed supports Trump using $3.6-Billion for new Border Wall, but, feels Congress needs to take back power of the purse...
The decision by the Trump administration to shift $3.6-billion from defense projects to a wall on the southern U-S Border is supported by local Congressman Tom Reed. However... Reed still insists that it could be Congress taking the action and not the administration. The Corning Republican lawmakers have allowed such a situation to occur, and Mr. Trump is using that authority. With Defense Secretary Mark Esper's approval... the funding for 127 military construction projects was moved to build parts of a new border wall. Reed says he's still looking into possible impacts in his 23rd Congressional District... but, it appears only two projects -- both at West Point -- will be affected in New York state. He adds the wall is important to national security. The Pentagon comptroller says the projects are being "deferred" and not cancelled, though there is no guarantee the funding will be restored by Congress.
Malone says he won't resign following new revelations in priest sex abuse scandal...
The head of Buffalo's Roman Catholic diocese is resisting calls to resign after his former secretary secretly recorded him discussing a priest's alleged sexual harassment of a seminarian. It's the second time that a key member of the Reverend Richard Malone's staff has gone public with concerns about his handling of reports of clergy misconduct. Malone told reporters Wednesday that the Rev. Ryszard Biernat's decision to record confidential conversations was disappointing, but he believes most Catholics still support him.
