City man and woman arrested for weapon's possession following traffic stop in Jamestown...
A man and woman are jailed after a loaded hand-gun was found inside their vehicle during a traffic stop on Barrett Avenue Monday afternoon.  City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says a patrol pulled over a car on Barrett Avenue about 1:30 p.m., and, further investigation led to discovery of a loaded gun inside the vehicle.  Samuelson says both occupants -- 18 year-old Raven Medina, and 20 year-old Jamere Maisonet, were charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  They were being held pending arraignment.  Raven Medina is also being charged with failure to signal a turn and unlicensed operation. 

Resident, police union chief, and city council discuss need for action against Jamestown's gun violence spate...
The Jamestown City Council is being pushed on a number of fronts to hire more police officers in the wake of the recent spike in gun violence in the city.  During Monday night's work session... resident Doug Champ brought the issue forward... and referenced the latest federal guidance on use of American Rescue Plan Act funding.  Champ says the Treasury Department says ARPA funds can be used specifically for getting more cops on the street to deal with guns.  He says the number of uses in the text includes hiring additional police officers -- even above pre-pandemic levels -- to deal with crime surges.  Champ says the city has just over $28-million in ARPA funding... so the money is there to be used.  He and Kendall Club-Police Benevolent Association President Lt. Sam Piazza cited an on-line Erie story about them hiring 21 more officers to deal with gun violence there.  Piazza says they're only asking for "a couple" at this point.  The most recent shooting involved a man being hit by two shots during a private event at the former "Q" nightclub location on Cherry Street early Sunday morning.

City man wanted on warrants arrested after vehicle pursuit from Jamestown into Warren Co., Pa...
A wanted Jamestown man has been arrested in Warren County, Pennsylvania after leading city police on a vehicle pursuit to the state line Sunday morning.  City police say they tried to stop a car, driven by 28 year-old Brandon Philbrick, for a traffic violation at the intersection of East Fourth Street and Prendergast Avenue shortly before 8 a.m.  However... they say the driver stopped a let a women get out through a rear door before pulling away.  Police say they followed the vehicle south... and, out of the city to Warren Road in the town of Kiantone.  Officers broke off the pursuit when Philbrick went into Pennsylvania.  However... Pennsylvania State Police then found the vehicle, and stopped Philbrick.  He's been held on several warrants out of New York and Pennsylvania.  He also faces charges of third-degree unlawfully fleeing an officer, and reckless driving in Jamestown.

Sundquist wrapping up NYCOM Legislative session...
Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist wrapped-up two-and-a-half days of meetings with mayors from across New York state... and, lobbying state lawmakers in Albany Monday.  Sundquist took part in the annual New York Conference of Mayor's Winter Session... where they discuss their plans for the new year.  One key issue... says Sundquist... is to push for an increase in annual Aid and Incentives to Municipalities -- or AIM payments to cities -- which he says have been cut in recent years.  He says another major issue is bail reform... and the need to change it... because it's been costly to cities.  Sundquist adds there have been a number of 'heinous' crimes committed in Jamestown where the suspect is arraigned... and is released with nothing more than an appearance ticket.  He cited one particular example from last year when a man was arrested a dozen times within a short period of time... and, because of bail reform... was issued appearance tickets and released.  Sundquist made his comments for last weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the six Media One Radio Group stations.

1891 Fredonia Opera House to resume major fundraiser this April...
A major fundraiser for the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center will be returning in April.  That from Executive Director Rick Davis... who says the '1891 Run' is scheduled for Sunday, Apr. 24.  Davis says, for the first time in two-years, the run-walk will return to a completely in-person form.  He says it will begin that day at 9 a.m. and registration is now open.  Meanwhile... Davis says masks will still be required for events being held at the Opera House... and, he says that will remain the policy through the end of February.  Davis says they'll revisit that at the end of the month.  He says the Opera House is continuing the requirement since the county remains under a 'high transmission rate'... according to the CDC. 

Gillibrand endorses Hochul for Governor in New York...
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is backing Kathy Hochul in the New York governor's race.  It's the highest-profile endorsement so far of Hochul's candidacy as she looks to secure her party's nomination, and win the governorship in her own right.  She was initially expected to face a tough battle for the Democratic nomination.  But months ahead of the June primary... Hochul has solidified her position as the front-runner, amassing campaign donations and endorsements.  She's being challenged by U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi... a Long Island Democrat.  A third candidate, New York City public advocate Jumaane Williams, is the most progressive candidate in the race.