Investigation continuing into Broadhead Ave. Stabbing in Jamestown...
Jamestown Police are continuing to investigate a late night stabbing Thursday that's left a 27 year-old man in serious but, stable condition at an Erie, Pennsylvania hospital. City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says officers were called 310 Broadhead Avenue shortly before 10 p.m., and, found a person with multiple stab wounds. Samuelson says the unidentified victim was taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment. He was later sent to UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie. Samuelson adds that it was a "targeted" incident... and, the suspect may have also been hurt. Police were conducting interviews Friday. If you have any information... police ask you call them at 483-7537... or the tips-line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477. You can also go anonymously to JPD's Tips 4-1-1 app.
Sheriff's Office no longer to designate Chautauqua Institution police as "Special Deputies..."
Officials at Chautauqua Institution are expressing disappointment over a decision by the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office to no longer designate institution police as "Special Deputies." The designation had been in place for the better part of four decades... but, institution officials say they were made aware of the impending change late last year. With that... they say they are currently pursuing both Constable and Peace Officer status for their police force. Officials say "we are confident in our ability to retain a similar level of safety and security to our property and patrons as that which we have provided for 40 years under a shared services cooperative arrangement with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office." They add their police are "all trained law enforcement officers, employed as sheriff’s deputies or officers within local municipalities." They serve under Director of Campus Security and Safety Joe Gerace, who was Chautauqua County Sheriff for nearly 25 years. Current Sheriff Jim Quattrone says he made the decision in concert with the state Sheriff's Association because continuing the practice could open up the county to "liability and other legal consequences."
Wendel says he'll follow Borrello's footsteps as County Executive...
Chautauqua County has a new county executive who will hold the post through the end of the year. P-J Wendel's appointment was unanimously approved during the County Legislature's organizational meeting on Thursday. The Lakewood Republican spoke about following George Borrello who is now seated in the State Senate... and, says it will be "no small feat." Wendel adds, though, that he will also bring in his own initiatives, and twists to county government. Wendel, who intends to run in a special election for the post in November, will face competition. County Democratic Committee Chairman Norm Green in a statement says Democrats will be "vigorously opposing" the GOP candidate.
Dolce says Council will likely take on expanded role in 2020 with new Mayor in office...
The Jamestown City Council may take slightly larger role in driving policy in the new year... with first-term Democrat Mayor Eddie Sundquist now in office. New Council President Tony Dolce is in that full-time role for the first time in his nearly 25 years in office. Following this week's Inauguration and reorganizational meeting at Jamestown Community College... Dolce agreed there's going to be change. He says they "leaned a lot" on former Mayor Sam Teresi's knowledge and experience, and now "they are going to have to step up, and be a little more aggressive in setting policy and being a watchdog." At the same time... Dolce says the new Republican-majority panel will be there to support Sundquist achieve goals that will advance the city. He says the big thing right now is Sundquist getting his "feet wet..." and, getting up to speed. As for council... Dolce says he plans to pursue his idea of going back to having meetings in the wards at various times during the year... because some people may feel intimidated coming to City Hall. He says they may look at having those meetings at schools in those individual wards. Council did get out for one meeting this past year at Jackson-Taylor Park on the northside.
Kolb steps down as State Assembly minority leader...
A New York lawmaker who has been charged with drunken driving is stepping down from his post as the top Republican in the state Assembly. Assemblyman Brian Kolb said Friday late he will resign his post as Assembly minority leader. Kolb, though, is not resigning from his Assembly seat. Authorities said the 67-year-old Kolb was driving his state-owned SUV when he crashed into a ditch near his home Tuesday night. They said his blood alcohol content was over the legal limit. The arrest came a week after Kolb published a column in the upstate Daily Messenger newspaper that warned against driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Lockport Schools begin using facial recognition technology to look for threats, over objections of civil rights groups...
An upstate New York school district has begun using facial recognition technology to look for threats. But... civil rights advocates want to stop it, saying it infringes on student privacy. The Lockport Central School District says it activated the system Thursday after meeting conditions set by the state, including that no students be programmed in. Superintendent Michelle Bradley says it will alert staff to guns as well as people like sex offenders and suspended staff who may pose a threat. Facial recognition technology has made its way into airports and casinos, but is so far rare in schools.
