Incoming Jamestown City Council President Tony Dolce announces committee chairs for 2020...
With a 5-to-4 majority on the Jamestown City Council next year... it's expected that the longest-serving councilmember will be the panel's president in 2020. Second-Ward Republican Tony Dolce says, though, leadership under him will be split next year. Dolce was recently elected unanimously by the incoming majority to be Council President... and, he says he's gratified by his fellow lawmakers trust... and, says he's ready to go for the new year. He says it's an "honor" to be selected by the caucus, due in large part to his ability to work across the political aisle to get things done. One of Dolce's first assignments has been to decide on committee chairpersons... and members. He says he wanted the committees to have experienced people on board, and put the two new council members where their strengths can be utilitzed. Dolce was part of a council that bickered many years ago... and, he says because of the city's many challenges... they can't have that because "things don't get done." At-Large Councilwoman Kim Ecklund will replace Dolce as Finance Committee Chairperson... while fellow Republican Brent Sheldon will chair the Public Safety Committee. Dolce says Democrat Tom Nelson will remain Public Works Chairman... while Democrat Vickye James will remain head of the Housing Committee in 2020.
Long-time Lakewood Village Clerk retiring on New Year's Eve...
One of the longest-serving village clerks in Chautauqua County will be calling it a career at the end of business on New Year's Eve... next Tuesday. Lakewood's Joe Johnson says he'll miss "the people of the village, and those I've worked with" during his 35 years in the position. Johnson was appointed Village Clerk in 1984 by late Mayor Tony Caprino. Prior to that... Johnson was hired by the village in 1978 to be what was called a "storekeeper" for the village's Highway Department. In that capacity, he keep track of records, and also handled purchase orders. Johnson will be replaced by current assistant clerk, Mary Currie, who was appointed at the village board's December 9th meeting.
Fire heavily damages apartment in Dunkirk...
Flames extensively damaged an apartment Thursday afternoon at the Porter Manor Apartments on Greco Lane in the city of Dunkirk. Dunkirk Fire Chief Mike Edwards says crews responded to the call around 3 p.m... and, found heavy fire on the second-floor. Edwards say crews extended hoses, and knocked down the fire, and got remaining residents out of the building. He says the blaze was contained to the apartment of original, with some water and smoke damage reported to the adjacent apartments. No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation.
Cold Spring man arrested for menacing...
A Cattaraugus County man has been arrested for allegedly pointing a firearm, and threatening another person in the town of Randolph. Sheriff's officers in Little Valley were called to a location on Perimeter Road in Cold Spring early last week... and, arrested 37 year-old Jordan John for second-degree menacing. Deputies say John and the other person had gotten into an argument when John allegedly pulled out the firearm. No one was hurt. John was booked in Randolph Town Court and released pending a future court appearance.
Teresi, other leaders unveil new Riverwalk historic kiosks...
People who like to walk along the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk now have the chance to see historic photos of that part of the walkway from years past. City Mayor Sam Teresi was joined by other officials at the bridge on North Main Street to unveil one of the six new kiosks that are part of the Riverwalk Kiosk Historic Photo Project. The pictures on that kiosk highlight Brooklyn Square from the 1940s and 50s. Teresi says the pictures will provide context for what was in that area years ago with what is there now. The picture in Brooklyn Square is of Main Street, heading south. He says the riverwalk project actually began in the 1970s, and used leftover money from the Brooklyn Square Urban Renewal project at that time. However... work on getting the riverwalk into full use began about 15 years ago... and, Teresi says it's now about two-thirds done. He expressed his appreciation to the city's new Historian, Ashley Senske, for spearheading the kiosk project. Teresi adds that the pictures that are in the kiosks can also be seen on the city's website at Jamestownny.net... and just go to the riverwalk part of the site.
Washington's Crossing reenactment held on Christmas...
Thousands turned out to watch the annual reenactment of George Washington's daring Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware River in 1776. It was the first time the crossing was completed in three years. The event was scrapped because of bad weather the last two years. The crossing is the highlight of a historical reenactment that draws thousands of people to the banks of the river in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, and Titusville, New Jersey.
