Appellate Court dismisses Young's Arson indictment...
The state's Fourth Department Appellate Division in Rochester has dismissed a 25-count indictment against a Jamestown-area man accused of setting more than a dozen fires two years ago in Jamestown and Falconer. The Post-Journal reports that the unanimous ruling in favor of Jonathan Young was part of an appeal made by the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office in December. It regarded statements that were ruled inadmissible by County Court Judge David Foley following a 2018 Huntley hearing. The D-A’s office had been hoping the justices would allow Young’s statements to be heard in court. The statements were gathered after Young had fled to Butler, PA after a rash of fires that broke out in the Jamestown-area. While in Pennsylvania... Young was questioned by Troopers... something the court said "violated his indelible right to counsel." Young was released from the county jail... and, D-A Patrick Swanson says he'll be reviewing his options regarding the decision.
NYS has first death due to Coronavirus in New York City...
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the state has reported its first death in the coronavirus pandemic, an 82-year-old woman who had been previously hospitalized with emphysema. Cuomo said Saturday that she died the day before at a hospital in New York City. More than 500 New Yorkers have been officially been diagnosed so far with COVID-19. But Cuomo says he believes perhaps tens of thousands of New Yorkers already have the disease. The true number of people with the virus in the state is unknown because testing is still being done across the U.S. on a very limited basis.
Reed moves to calm fears in wake of Coronavirus outbreak, as president declares national emergency, House acts on relief package for those affected...
Like President Trump... local Congressman Tom Reed is moving to calm fears about how the nation is dealing with the Coronavirus outbreak. Reed said late this week that negotiations continued between the White House and Congress on an aid package that would have bi-partisan support. Early this morning... the House approved legislation to provide direct relief to Americans suffering physically, financially and emotionally from the pandemic. The action comes after President Donald Trump declared the outbreak a national emergency, freeing up money and resources to fight it, then threw his support behind the congressional package. The aid package from Congress would provide free tests, sick pay for workers and bolster food programs. The crush of activity caps a tumultuous week in Washington. The president declared a National Emergency over the COVID 19 Virus outbreak, which frees up nearly $50-billion to help states and cities. He is also asking every hospital in the U-S to activate their Emergency Prepardness Plan.
SUNY College at Fredonia tells students to go home in wake of virus...
"A lot of people are kind of in shock." That's the way State University College at Fredonia freshman Sofia Isabella described the climate on campus as the semester abruptly comes to an end on Friday. Sofia says it's not as bad a situation for her, because home is only 45-minutes away. However... she says others aren't able to leave yet because the situation is more problematic where they live. Students will attempt to get classes on-line for the rest of the semester... but, Sofia says, as a music student, that'll be tough because she has a violin class that she's taking that's a "hands-on course..." so she's not sure if she'll be able to get credit for it. Before going to college, Sofia was a member of the staff here at Media One Radio Group.
Jackals hold season-endig dinner at Celoron hotel...
Fans of the Jamestown Jackals pro basketball team got one more chance to see the team... but it wasn't on the court, it was at the dinner table. At a news conference Thursday, announcing the cancellation of the rest of the season, owner and founder Kayla Crosby said there would be a farewell meal Friday at the Harbor Hotel in Celoron. Crosby says it served as a fund-raiser to help pay team expenses through the season. One of the players, Anthony Estes, expressed the frustration of many on the team. Estes says it's tough seeing their season end when they were number-two in the league. Crosby thanked the community and the team's sponsors for their support.
Media One Spring Home and Recreation Show is going on!...
The Media One Group's Spring Home and Recreation Show is still happening at the Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood. During regular mall hours today through Sunday, vendors will be available, including Ray Wakely's RV Center and Bath Fitter of Erie. There will also be prize giveaways and Half-Off Certificates available at the Media One Booth. In a printed release... the Chautauqua Mall announced they will be take extra precautions by increasing the frequency and intensity in cleaing practices during the Home Show. The mall will also have hand sanitizing stations available to visitors. Home Show hours today are until 9 p.m., and, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
County High School All-Star Basketball Game called off due to virus concerns...
After some discussion among members of the county's Basketball Officials Association... Board 39 has decided to postpone the annual Chautauqua County High School Allstar Game... which was scheduled for next Wednesday, March 18th. In a message sent to committee members President Tom Heppler says -- given current circumstances -- "I feel it is best that the event be postponed."
