Westfield man arrested for allegedly stealing long-guns, and ATV...
A man from Westfield is accused of stealing several long-guns and an all-terrain vehicle in the town late last month.  Sheriff's deputies took a burglary complaint at 7447 Bliss Road... and, got information earlier this week that 20 year-old Cortland Hepfner was trying to sell long-guns matching the description of those stolen.  Sheriff's Office investigators got a description of the suspect's car... and, found it parked at Hepfner's residence.  Deputies found him inside the home... and, Hepfner later turned over two of the long guns reported stolen from Bliss Road.  Hepfner surrendered to police Tuesday... and, was sent to the county jail awaiting arraignment on charges of second-degree burglary, fourth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen property... and, Grand Larceny.  Police add the 2004 Polaris 400 Sportsman ATV was also recovered.

One person hurt in car-motorcycle accident in front of Lakewood Wal-Mart Super Center...
One person had to be treated for injuries following a car--motorcycle accident at a busy intersection in the village of Lakewood late yesterday afternoon.  Sheriff's Department dispatchers say Lakewood-Busti Police were called to the scene at Fairmount and Fairdale Avenues -- near Wal-Mart -- shortly before 5 p.m.  Dispatchers say Lakewood fire rescuers transported the unidentified victim to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital in Jamestown.  The accident is under investigation.

Ripley man arrested earlier this month for menacing again arrested for allegedly trespassing...
A Ripley man has been arrested on several charges after Sheriff's officers were called to a report of a person with a gun late Monday night.  Deputies were called to the scene shortly before 11 p.m., and, found that the suspect, 22 year-old Isiah Fuentes, had left the scene prior to their arrival.  Officers say they found Fuentes was located a short time later at an address where he entered and stayed unlawfully.  Fuentes was arrested for second-degree criminal trespass.  Further investigation determined that he was drunk... and, he was further charged with driving while intoxicated... having an Unregistered Motor Vehicle... and ulicensed operation.  Fuentes was arrested for allegedly threatening another person with a weapon earlier this month.  He was taken to the county jail pending arraignment.

Sundquist urges residents to take part in American Rescue Plan public sessions...
Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist and his administration will hold the first of four public input sessions Thursday night to hear what residents have to say about the city's "Master Plan" to use just over $28-million in American Rescue Plan funding.  Sundquist is urging people to attend one of the sessions to hear what's already in the city's plan... and, what they feel should be included.  A number of parks projects have been discussed, among others... as well as mental health and neighborhood stabilization, and social workers to assist police officers on calls.  Sundquist says Thursday night's session will be held in the Jefferson Middle School auditorium at 7 p.m.  He says the second public session will be held at 10 a.m. next Saturday, July 24 at the Prendergast Library's Fireplace Room.  The third will be a week from last night at 7 p.m, on Tuesday, July 27 at the Chautauqua Center... and, the fourth will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Thursday, July 29 at 7 p.m.

Gillibrand pushes for more COVID stimulus funding to help independent restaurants...
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is pushing bi-partisan legislation that would provide an additional $60-billion in relief to help independent restaurants that are struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Gillibrand says the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment Act would allow the Small Business Administration to continue awarding grants to applicants who were previously approved, but have yet to receive funding.  The New York Democrat called for just over $28-billion for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund in the American Rescue Plan... to help them reopen and rehire staff.  She says they are "critical" to the economy.  However, Gillibrand adds that the demand for the fund has outpaced the supply, and less than one-third of all applicants have received funding so far. 

Meleen named as new County Director of Real Property Tax Services...
The woman who has been Acting Director of Real Property Tax Services for Chautauqua County since last February will now have the title on a permanent basis.   County Executive P-J Wendel today announced the appointment of Kim Meleen as the new director, starting Aug. 5, and running through Sept. 30, 2025.  Wendel says Meleen has been with the department for just over two years serving as the Assistant Director of Real Property Tax from April 2019 until her appointment as Acting Director.  Prior to working at Chautauqua County... Meleen worked for 16 years in Chautauqua Town Assessor’s Office as a clerk and appraiser. 

No new COVID cases reported Tuesday in Chautauqua County...
There are no new cases of the COVID-19 virus being reported in Chautauqua County.  Tuesday's mid-day report shows just eight active cases... and one person is hospitalized.  The county's Health Department reports 9,150 cases have now recovered... and, there have been a total of 9,315 cases.  There were no new deaths.  The seven-day rate of infection is 1.1-percent.

Metzger to receive CRCF's Hamilton Award...
The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation has announced Michael Metzger as its 2021 winner of the John D. Hamilton Award.  Metzger is currently the Vice President for Finance and Administration at SUNY Fredonia and has worked for  a wide variety of businesses in Jamestown and vicinity for over 30 years.  He's also been a dedicated community volunteer for Junior Achievement, the United Way, and, many other organizations.  Foundation Executive Director Tory Irgang says the reception honoring Metzger will be held on Sept. 24 at the Harbor Hotel in Celeron.