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WJTN News Headlines for Wed., Dec. 1, 2021

Fredonia police identify victim in fatal car crash Monday night...
The investigation is continuing into a crash in the village of Fredonia that claimed the life of a local resident.  Fredonia Police have released the identity of the victim, 22-year-old Richard Burgstrom III.  Burgstrom was driving a vehicle that went off West Main Street and struck a building near Hamlet Street late Monday night.  Police are still awaiting the results of an autopsy.


Sundquist hints at possible vetoes in 2022 budget approved by City Council...
Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist is hinting that there may be some budget vetoes... but, will take the next few days to review the more than 20 changes to the 2022 budget approved by the city council.  Lawmakers approved the approximately $38.3-million spending plan Monday night.  However... Sundquist later voiced disappointment over some of the amendments -- especially three of them.  One was a $6,000 cut to the recently revived Human Rights Commission... which is planning a festival, and other activities in 2022.  He was also surprised to see his office's travel budget cut, due to the need to travel to conference, and other activities that get's the city's name and voice "out there."  The third item was a $10,000 cut to the Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency.  Sundquist says he was also disappointed that council did not to act on some 40 American Rescue Plan-related projects that were part of the budget... but, taken out.  He says delaying that for a month could make getting some of them done difficult.  In the end... City Council approved the budget unanimously.  Sundquist has until next Monday to sign, or veto the budget or parts of it.  The spending plan keeps the tax rate flat... and, there is a slight increase in the overall tax levy.


City man accused of assault, and threatening people with shot-gun...
An unidentified, 19 year-old man faces several charges after allegedly assaulting a woman... then threatening people with a shotgun he was loading.  City police were called to the scene on the southside just before 8 p.m. Monday for a domestic incident.  On arrival... they learned the man had gotten into a fight with the woman... who said she was slammed to the floor, and the suspect put his hand over her mouth, and arm on her throat.  The man is also accused of taking the female's cell phone so she couldn't call police.  The man then went into a back bedroom of the house, and began loading the shotgun while holding a five-month old baby.  However, he was later arrested without further incident.  The man faces charges... including third-degree assault... criminal obstruction of breathing and endangering the welfare of a child.  He was jailed pending arraignment.


Gerace approved as new Fredonia police chief...
The Fredonia Village Board has approved the appointment of former Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace as the village's next police chief during their regular meeting Monday night.  The provisional appointment was approved by a 3-1 vote.  Trustee James Lynden, who voted against the appointment, attempted to have the resolution tabled.  Lynden expressed concerns about the selection process that was used in filling the position... saying the board had decided to change the process, and decided to advertise outside the area for the post.  But... Trustee Scott Johnston urged board members to take action... noting that the board has worked for "months going through materials and interviewing candidates" before making their choice.  Gerace, who was elected as Chautauqua County Sheriff for 24 years, will take over the post on Dec. 13. 


Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign off to slow start...
The annual Red Kettle Campaign for the Salvation Army in Jamestown has gotten off to a "very slow" start.  However... the organization's Major Kim Merchant says she remains optimistic they'll reach their goal of $115,000.  Merchant says the slow start is due -- in part -- to COVID-19 quarantines involving staff and others.  She adds that, with that, they have not been able to man the kettles the way they would like to.  Merchant says they're about $1,000 behind last year's effort, and have raised $13,400.  This year's Red Kettle Campaign began shortly before Thanksgiving with one kettle at Tops Market on Washington Street.  They now have kettles up at both of Wal-Mart's entrances in Lakewood...  Brigiotta's market... and the Tops locations in Falconer and Jamestown.  There is also another kettle in Frewsburg that's manned by people there.  Merchant says  the Red Kettle Campaign continues through Christmas Eve at 6 p.m.  If you would like to help ring the bells... or help with their annual Angel Tree Program... contact The Salvation Army at 664-4108. 


CSHOF Class of 2022 announced...
The Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame has announced it's inductees for the Class of 2022... and, they're the same group of inductees announced in late 2020 when the Hall of Fame induction dinner had to be cancelled due to COVID-19.  Hall of Fame President Randy Anderson says the inductees include: Sarah Bogardus-Burnett, Andrew Creager, Christina Kebort, Mike Sirianni, Lewis Mack, Marc Tramuta, and Randall G. Anderson.  The deceased honorees are: George Barone, Jr., Harry Carlson, Larry Rodgers and Richard Shearman.  The annual induction banquet will be held Feb. 21, 2022.  For information about tickets, call Chip Johnson at 485-6991.