Route 60 in Jamestown named after Charles Cooper...
Route 60 in the city of Jamestown will now be known as the Private First-Class Charles S. Cooper, Junior Memorial Highway. A scale model of the new signs to be installed soon was unveiled during a special ceremony at the Kiantone Fire Hall Friday afternoon. It was attended by several local officials... as well as retired State Senator Cathy Young... who helped initiate legislation in the Senate to rename the roadway after Cooper. PRC Cooper was the city's first casualty in Operation Iraqi Freedom in April of 2005. Young says members of Cooper's generation reacted to the "9/11" Terror attacks like those who were part of the "Greatest Generation" that fought in World War-Two, because our freedom and way of life were in jeopardy. She says members of this generation who volunteered to take up the fight against terrorism are "true American heroes." Young began the push to get legislation approved for renaming the highway after Cooper while she was still in the Senate. She was assisted by local Assemblyman Andy Goodell... who called the renaming a "permanent way" of honoring people like Charlie Cooper. Several members of Cooper's family were on hand for the ceremony.
Chautauqua County hosts early voting, starting today in three locations...
Early voting makes it's debut today, and, will be offered in Chautauqua County at three locations through Sunday, Nov. 3. County Election Commissioner Norm Green says the latest technology will be utilized. Green says the entire county data base will be there on computer, and your district will be called up so you can cast your vote, no matter where you vote. Early voting will take place at the Board of Elections in Mayville, the County Fairgrounds in Dunkirk and the Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood. Hours today and tomorrow are Noon to 5 p.m. Hours will also be available during the coming week. Voters heading to the polls on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5 will not see any changes from past elections, and will have to go to their local polling places where conventional poll books will continue to be used.
City man arrested by federal authorities after allegedly receiving large shipments of cocaine from Puerto Rico...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly receiving illegal drugs from Puerto Rico through the mail to be distributed in the area. U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Junior says 29 year-old Jeffrey Guzman-Suarez has been arrested... and, was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Prosecutors say a criminal complaint was filed after an ongoing review of mail at the Jamestown Post Office. Postal Inspectors were alerted to a suspicious Priority Mail parcel addressed to Guzman-Suarez... and, after that... they got a search warrant, and discovered a small portable charcoal grill. Inside was an off-white, chunky substance in brick form that was wrapped in multiple layers of plastic, and cleaning wipes. The substance was determined to be cocaine. Back on Oct. 11... Guzman went into the Post Office and picked up another parcel... and, then left the post office before being stopped by law enforcement officers and taken into custody.
Robbins rebutts what he calls "misleading" statements by opponent on taxes in town of Busti...
Candidates are also running in most Chautauqua County towns and villages this Fall... including the town of Busti. Two-term Supervisor Jesse Robbins is running for re-election on Nov. 5. The Republican businessman says he has promoted holding the line on taxes, and sharing services during his nearly eight-years in office. However... Robbins says his opponent has put out misleading information that adds all the town's Special Districts into the tax levy and rate. He says the current year's levy is just over $1.19-million, and that will be the case in 2020. He adds the tax rates are also the same in both the village of Lakewood, and the rest of the town. Robbins says he wants to continue to make the town a good place to do business by continuing efforts to share services with neighboring municipalities -- such as Lakewood. Robbins is being opposed by Democrat Rudy Mueller, who is currently a town board member.
Rankin running for re-election to County Legislature...
The Republican incumbant for the District 12 seat on the Chautauqua County Legislature has announced she is running for re-election. Elisabeth Rankin represents Jamestown's northside on the panel... and, says she has "worked extensively with residents across the county, and is keenly aware of key issues facing the County Legislature. Her priorities include strengthening the economic environment, reducing the tax burden on all residents... small business owners, and those on a fixed income." Rankin is a member of the County's Human Services committee. She is currently the District Office Director for State Assemblyman Andy Goodell's Jamestown district office, where she focuses on constituent services.
Jamestown man arrested for trying to cash fake check at Lakewood business...
A Jamestown woman was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly trying to cash a fake check at a convenience store in Lakewood. Lakewood Busti Police were called to Don's Car Wash on Fairmount Avenue to investigate the incident back on Sept. 16. Through investigation, officers say a warrant was issued for 39 year-old Nicole Hutchinson.... and, she was arraigned on charges of criminal possession of a forged instrument and third-degree attempted grand larceny. Hutchinson was later released and is to appear in Busti Town Court at a later date.
