City man to spend 6 1/2 years in federal prison on drug trafficking charges...
A Jamestown man has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in federal prison for conspiring to traffic significant amounts of heroin in the city.  U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Junior says 27 year-old Bryan Ferrer-Vazquez... who had been found guilty of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, was sentenced to 78-months in prison.  Prosecutors say in early 2016, Ferrer-Vazquez distributed heroin and cocaine for a drug trafficking organization led by co-defendant Sigfredo Martinez.  Ferrer-Vazquez was responsible for the “day shift” transactions... while co-defendant, Alex Mercado, was responsible for “night shift” transactions.  Kennedy says Drug Enforcement Administration agents conducted three controlled heroin and cocaine buys from Ferrer-Vazquez... who was arrested in April 2017 at his Buffalo Street home.  Both Martinez and Alex Mercado were both previously convicted and sentenced to serve lengthy prison terms.

Another city man indicted for trafficking Fentanyl and other drugs by federal Grand Jury...
A city man faces a maximum of life in prison after he was indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday on charges of trafficking fentanyl and other drugs.  U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Jr. says 22 year-old Wade Paulisick, Jr. was indicted for possessing with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl... 40 grams or more of fentanyl...  5-grams or more of methamphetamine, buprenorphine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activities.  He is also charged with possession of a stolen firearm.  Prosecutors say Paulisick was arrested last September 26th during a raid at his Tower Street home.  He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, and a $10-million dollar fine.

Reed frustrated by break-down in fourth COVID Stimulus bill talks...
Local Congressman Tom Reed is expressing frustration over the fact that talks on a fourth, COVID Stimulus package remain at a stalemate... and, both sides are playing the blame game.  The Corning Republican says neither side has made any serious moves to try to break the impasse, and left Washington Thursday.  Reed says... on most items in the relief bill... the two sides aren't really that far apart, and stopping the political games could wrap up talks on a bill quickly.  on several parts.  Reed says he "appreciates" what President Trump did last weekend in moving to provide some unemployment insurance... and payroll tax relief for everyday Americans.  However... he also says it's time for Congress to do it's job.  Reed adds it's time to get people who are serious about making a deal "into the room" to deal with the unemployment, testing, child care, and other matters resolved.

Reed announce Fire Dept. Grants for local companies...
Two Chautauqua County fire departments have been given federal grants totaling $280,000 to help get what they need to fight fires.  Local Congressman Tom Reed says the largest grant... from the Federal Emergency Management Agency... of $155,300... is going to the Dunkirk Fire Department.  The other grant, totaling $125,200 dollars... is going to the Falconer Fire Department.  The other grants are going to the Ithaca, Owego, and Cheshire Departments in Central New York.

Whitaker says JPS is looking at three teaching models for the Fall; state required meetings scheduled...
The Jamestown School District is looking at three instructional models to use for teaching students when school begins next month.  That from School Superintendent Kevin Whitaker... who says two are the so-called "hybrid" models... which include some in-person teaching and some remote.  Dr. Whitaker says one of the hybrids is called the "AM-PM" model where one group goes full-time in the morning, the other in the afternoon.  He says the other model is called "2-1-2"... which would include 'A, B, and C' groups... which would alternate days.  He says they have also developed a completely remote learning model that would be used if there is a COVID-19 outbreak, and they have to do that.  Whitaker says a number of parents would like the remote option for their kids... because they have special needs.  He says the district will hold it's three state-required meetings with parents... via Facebook Live... next week.  The first will be held at next Tuesday, August 18 at Noon... the second will be held at 6 PM Thursday.. and, the third will be held at 10 AM Friday, Aug. 21.  For more information... go to the Jamestown Public School website, or Facebook page.

Cents for St. Susan's effort raises more than $18,000...
The annual Cents for St. Susan's drive has come to an end... but, it still raised more than $18,000 in a campaign limited by COVID-19 restrictions.  That from Jamestown Board of Public Utilities Communications Director Becky Robbins... who helps head up the campaign.  Robbins says their committee held a "virtual" celebration today over the fact they raised $18,399 dollars, which she says was still within about $1,000 of last year's total.  Robbins says some of their major sponsors were able to contribute a little more, and they got some unexpected donations... including $700 from the Jamestown Islamic Society, which decided to give their Ramadam donations to the center.  She adds they did have one canister out in the community.  That had been up at Phil-and-Cindy's Restaurant for about a year.  With the just over $18,000 in donations... Robbins says the 21-year total of funds raised to support the Jamestown-area's largest soup kitchen is just over $253,000.  The Media One Radio Group, and the Jamestown Post-Journal were again media sponsors for the campaign.

One new case of COVID-19 in Chautauqua Co. reported Thursday...
There is one new case of the COVID-19 Virus in Chautauqua County over the past day... but, the number of active cases has fallen to six.  That from Interim County Executive P-J Wendel... who says the new case is a woman in her 20s.  He says there have now been 263 confirmed cases... with 248 having now recovered.  Wendel says there are currently 79 cases under quarantine or isolation orders, and are being monitored.  He says there are 1,196 persons under the "domestic traveler quarantine" after arriving here from a state listed on the New York State travel advisory.  No one is hospitalized... and there have now been 27,536 negative test results.