Man suffers fatal gunshot wound overnight on Jamestown's eastside...
The investigation is continuing into a fatal,, overnight shooting on Jamestown's eastside that's left one man dead. City police were called to the scene at 38 Peach St. shortly after 12 Midnight... and, on arrival, found the victim laying in a side yard with a gunshot wound. JPD Captain Bob Samuelson says the 43 year-old man was rushed to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital... where he later died. The man has not been identified. Police investigators along with District Attorney Jason Schmidt were on the scene this morning. The suspect remains at large. If you have any information on the homicide... you're asked to call JPC at 483-7537... of their confidential tips line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.
Jamestown man arrested following vehicle pursuit in city...
A city man has been arrested for allegedly driving away from a car accident on Jamestown's eastside... and, then leading police on a vehicle pursuit Wednesday night that went down several city streets. State Police in Jamestown say they -- along with city police -- were called to the scene on Falconer Street where one of the cars was allegedly driving away. Troopers say the car failed to comply... and, a pursuit began. Police say the driver, later identified as 37 year-old Manuel Fernandez, then drove down several streets before pulling into a home on Hoyt Alley. Fernandez was taken into custody without further incident. He was arraigned... and, issued an appearance ticket, and multiple traffic tickets. City police also charged Fernandez with Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident. He's to appear in City Court at a later date.
Large amount of cash, drugs, and a weapon seized during Westfield drug raid...
Several local law enforcement agencies raided a home in the town of Westfield early Thursday morning... and, found large quantities of narcotic drugs and cash. Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force members, and Chautauqua County Sheriff's deputies, executed a search warrant at 7518 Route 20 just after 6:30 a.m., and, detained three men inside. Task Force members say investigators found 13-thousand-367-dollars in cash, approximately 226 grams of Psilocybin, just over 11-grams of LSD... and, 170 grams of concentrated cannabis among others. They also found scales and packaging material. Police say the raid was the result of a three month investigation into drug sales at the location. No charges have been filed at this time... but, the investigation is continuing. They were assisted by K-9 units, and members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force. If you have any information on illegal drug trafficking in the county... call the Southern Tier Task Force's tip-line at 1-800-344-8702... or 664-2420.
Wendel also talks economic development, and other issues during State of the County Address...
While delivering his 2021 State of the County address this past Wednesday night... County Executive P-J Wendel didn't just speak about the pandemic. Wendel also says county officials continue to work on pre-COVID and future economic development projects... including Petri Cookies decision to return to their former location in Silver Creek, and the Spring groundbreaking for the new Love's Travel Center on Shortman Road in Ripley. He also says he is making changes to help the county's agriculture industry... and, says he's discussed using the county's Food Policy Council to help open up doors to local farmers markets, and get local growers into the wholesale market place. Wendel delivered his first State of the County Address during the County Legislature's monthly meeting... which was held via Zoom video conference.
Wendel and legislature honor Griffith at monthly meeting...
Chautauqua County's retiring director of Emergency Services was recognized by county lawmakers during their monthly meeting this week. County Executive P.J. Wendel and Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon presented a commendation to John Griffith for his years of service to the county... which culminated with being named director in 2017. Griffith is retiring effective March 1st... and, Wendel spoke about his contributions... and, about his successor, Noel Guttman, who he says is another "great man" who will fill the role well. Griffith has been a fire chief... and, started as a deputy fire coordinator. He wasn't able to receive the commendation in person because he was busy conducting a Chautauqua County Fire Chiefs Association meeting.
County reports 50 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday...
The Chautauqua County Health Department is reporting 50 new confirmed cases of COVID-19... pushing that total to more than 75-hundred. The Health Department says there have now been 7,512 cases. However... there were no new deaths over the past day. Officials add there are now 143 active cases... and eight of those are hospitalized. The seven-day infection rate remains 1.2-percent. Officials say 7,232 cases have now recovered.
JPS Superintendent high-lights 5-year, $85-Million Capital Improvement Project for schools...
A 5-year, nearly $86-million Capital Improvement Project is being proposed for the Jamestown Public Schools that will impact five of the district's buildings. That from School Superintendent Kevin Whitaker... who presented the first-phase of the project at this week's school board meeting. Whitaker says it's made up of three parts... with the first being upgrading classrooms -- especially in the high school. Secondly, he says it will address safety and security concerns... and, third will be taking care of items needing maintenance work... including HVAC, roofs, and windows. The school board is expected to act on the proposal at it's Mar. 30 meeting. Whitaker says 98-percent of the costs will be picked up by New York state, and the district's 2-percent local share will be picked up by it's Capital Reserve fund. With that... he says there would be no local tax increase for project. Once approved by the school board... Whitaker says the proposal will go before the voters on May 18.
