Inmate at Cattaraugus County Jail arrested in connection with other inmate's death...
An inmate at the Cattaraugus County Jail in Little Valley has been arrested in connection with the death of another inmate last month. Sheriff's officers in Little Valley say 31 year-old Daniel Klein has been charged with second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide... and, criminal possession and sale of a controlled substance. Deputies say Klein is also charged with three counts of prooting prison contraband in the case. The 36 year-old inmate, Franklin Chase of Olean, was found dead last May... and, Klein was arraigned, and returned to the Little Valley jail on $100,000 cash bail.
Wendel hails end of NYS COVID restrictions, but, still pushes for more vaccinations...
While New York State's vaccination rate reached 70-percent on Tuesday, most counties in Western New York remain under the statewide rate, including Chautauqua County. County Executive P.J. Wendel says the county still has work to do when it comes to getting shots in arms... and, he says that push is continuing, and they are urging people who got their vaccine outside the area, or in another state, to contact their primary care provider, or the county itself. Wendel says that he, and Public Health Director Christine Schuyler, believe there are more people in the county that are vaccinated than what the numbers show. He's asking people who have received their vaccination elsewhere to contact the county. Wendel says go on-line to cchealth@chqgov.com... and, follow the prompts to give your information. The county's vaccination rate is 56.7 percent for residents 18 and older who have received at least one dose.
One new case of COVID reported in Chautauqua County at mid-day Wednesday...
The Chautauqua County Health Department is reporting more good news on the county's COVID-19 infection numbers... as they continue downward. Officials say there was only one new case reported over the past day, and there were no deaths. The Health Department reports the new confirmed case was in Cassadaga... and, that brings the local total to 9,285. There are currently 8 active cases... and, two remain hospitalized. Health officials say 9,120 cases have now recovered... and, the infection rate is point-4 percent.
Sundquist says Jamestown is getting dozens of inquiries about locating cannibis growing, manufacturing sites...
More than 75 inquires have been made into potential cannibis growing or production facilities in old, vacant factory locations in the city of Jamestown. Mayor Eddie Sundquist recently announced the city was "open for business" for that part of the state's legalization of the growing, producing and consumption of marijuana. Sundquist says the city has a lot of advantages to those looking...including low-cost power, and plentiful water. He says there are developers looking at many locations where they can be built. While it appears that the actual, legal marijuana industry may not be fully up and running until 2022... Sundquist feels it's important to let developers know what's available. He recently learned more about a new facility in an old factory in Erie, Pa. He says the $50-million facility currently employs 200 people. Sundquist is quick to point out that he is talking about manufacturing facilites... and, not dispenseries where recreational marijuana would be sold. He says those are "highly-regulated" and the city will have a final say in what's done there. Sundquist says they can't "opt out" of someone developing a manufacturing facility, though they can set basic ground rules for them.
Two Pa. residents arrested in French Creek on drug charges...
A man and woman from Montrose, Pennsylvania were arrested earlier this week after they were allegedly found in possession of illegal drugs in the town of French Creek. Sheriff's deputies were called to an address on the Old Road about 4:30 p.m. Monday, and found 28 year-old Adam Mertins in possession of a quantity of "bath salts" and a hypodermic instrument. Officers say they also found 29 year-old Moriah Hughes in possession of a quantity of Xanax. Both people were issued appearance tickets for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument for French Creek Town Court.
Bethel Baptist Christian Academy to become Chautauqua Christian Academy...
Later today... the school known as Bethel Baptist Christian Academy will become Chautauqua Christian Academy. One of the school’s administrators, Ella Davis, says the change accurately reflects the academy’s broad-based support. Davis says their student body and staff reflect 28 different churches in the area, so they are becoming more of a "community-based" school. The change also means the school’s board will be drawn from the broader community not just a single church. One member of the school board, Debbie Hotchkiss, says they are excited about the change, and believe the new name demonstrates they are both 'biblically-based' and 'non-denominational.' The public is welcome to attend tonight’s ‘Dedication Celebration’ at 6:30 p.m. at the school on Hunt Road and also visit during an ‘Enrollment Event,’ set for 11 a.m to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 17. Anyone who tours the school that day will get a free Weidner’s Chicken Barbeque scheduled for that same time.
Pa. disaster declaration ends...
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf's administration has certified the results of the May primary election, bringing a formal end to the disaster emergency declaration that the Democrat first issued at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tuesday's certification formalizes the results of the May 18 primary election. That's when voters approved Republican-backed constitutional amendments giving lawmakers broad new power over extending and ending disaster emergency declarations. The Republican-controlled Legislature voted last week to end the disaster emergency declaration.
