City lawmakers in Jamestown have approved the next step in the Annexation process for the Board of Public Utilities Dow Street Substation in the village of Falconer.
However... it was largely a routine matter that all sides in the dispute have now approved. That from Mayor Eddie Sundquist after the city council voted Monday night for a new Environmental Assessment Form for the approximately four-acres of land. Council President Tony Dolce agrees with Sundquist that they aren't ready for final action on moving forward... but, says the previous arguments for annexation remain the same as before.
A former BPU member, John Zabrodsky, earlier challenged council members on whether they want to see the process move ahead and, incurr more legal fees. Lawmakers have more time to discuss the issue before a vote has to be taken.... and, Dolce agreed that they want more discussion and review before deciding whether to move forward. The city and BPU say annexing the property would save more than $300,000 in taxes paid to Falconer, the town of Ellicott, the Falconer School District, and Chautauqua County.
The village of Fredonia won the race to win Season 5 of the Small Business Revolution. The crowd inside the 1891 Fredonia Opera House and Performing Arts Center erupted as the winning community was announced.
SBR's sponsor Deluxe, will be using half-a-million dollars in resources to help revitalize seven businesses in the village. Host Amanda Brinkman says she is proud of SBR's track record. Fredonia Mayor Doug Essek says the top 5 competition helped bring the community together. He called it "amazing." Pomfret Town Supervisor Dan Pacos and Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas were also on hand to support the village.
The legal team for President Donald Trump wrapped up it's defense yesterday by making a "forceful case" against the relevance of possible testimony during his impeachment trial.
That would include anything from former national security adviser, John Bolton. It's not known yet whether there will be the votes to have witnesses in the Senate Trial. However... local Congressman Tom Reed says House Democrat had their chance to call Bolton, and others, but, did not pursue it.
The Corning Republican adds that there is an election coming up during the next 10 to 11 months... so the people should ultimately make the decision. Supporters of Impeachment say Democrats wanted to call Bolton... but, add the White House issued a blanket rejection of that. Reed made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier media.
Jamestown's professional basketball team is set to begin its 5th season on Friday.
Kayla Crosby, executive director and manager of the Jamestown Jackals, says they missed the playoffs by just one game last year, and are aiming for the championship this year. Speaking at a news conference at the Sports Hall of Fame on Tuesday, Crosby announced they've recruited a dozen players for this season, their second in what's called 'The Basketball League.' She said the move up has increased the caliber of play and the budget, to around $130,000 for the season. They hope to raise $100,000 through sponsorships, the rest through ticket sales at their 12 home games. The first opponent Friday at 7 PM at the JCC Phys Ed Center will be the Columbus Condors. Season tickets are $100 for adults, $50 for students, seniors and veterans. Game tickets are $10 and $5. Full information, and streams of all games can be found at jamestownjackals.com. Friday's opening will also include a tribute to Kobe Bryant.
A Bemus Point man was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated at nearly three times the legal limit with a weapon and methamphetamine in his possession Sunday in Jamestown.
State Police say they pulled over 32 year-old Jordan Eckwahl for speeding on Route 430 and after failing sobriety tests, was arrested. Troopers say a search of the vehicle additionally revealed a rifle with several round of ammunition. Police say Eckwahl's driving privileges were revoked due to a previous DWI conviction and criminal history check revealed a felony conviction, prohibiting him from possessing a firearm. He was released with appearance tickets for Ellicott Town Court next month.
It was close right up to the end... but, the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County made it's goal for the 2019 General Campaign.
Officials announced last night that they had raised $1.331-million, about $1,800 more than the goal of $1.33-million. United Way Executive Director Amy Rohler says it was a "team" and community effort that pushed them over the top. She adds that they were able to put on 89 workplace presentations this year... and, she says those are a big help in getting people to give.
Rohler says in one case, a man -- who had never given before, pledged $2,500 because of a campaign presentation given at his employer. She says that presentation was given by a volunteer from the Mental Health Association, which is a United Way partner agency. She says he was moved to give by that presentation. Over the past year, the United Way supported 39 programs at 26 partner agencies. For more information on the United Way, call 483-1561.
A Jamestown School Board member has been named one of the top 100 most-influential people in the New York Education community.
In a printed release, district officials say Nina Karbacka was selected as part of the City and State magazine's Education Power 100 List in their February 17th issue. Board President Paul Abbott says they are very proud of Mrs. Karbacka, who was previously named to head-up the Small Cities Schools Association for the current school year and, officials say she was instrumental in getting equal funding and other needs for small city schools around the state.
