Schumer in Dunkirk to announce $10-mill. in federal funding for water infrastructure projects...
More than $10-million in federal funding has been announced for some major water infrastructure projects in Chautauqua County. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was in Dunkirk Thursday to announce that he's secured that funding... which will include more than $8-million for the U-S Army Corps of Engineers to do harbor projects in Dunkirk, Barcelona and Cattaraugus Creek. However... he says the largest allotment will go to Dunkirk for it's two-part project to dredge silt from Dunkirk Harbor, and make repairs to the breakwater walls. The fourth project... which uses about $2-million... will be to replace a contaminated water well in the village of Mayville. Schumer says that will allow residents to have access to safe, clean water. The senator said that these projects are long overdue, and will benefit not only residents -- but, also protect the local tourism industry... jobs and the economy of Chautauqua County and the surrounding region. Schumer said he used his clout as Majority Leader to help ensure the projects were included in the final infrastructure legislation.
Reed among House members sanctioned by Russia for vote on sanctions against communist nation...
Local Congressman Tom Reed says he and a number of other House members have been officially "sanctioned" by Russia for their actions to sanction Russia and it's president. In a printed statement... the Corning Republican says he's proud "to be on the list of House Members to be officially sanctioned by Russia. Being put on this permanent ‘stop list’ by a dictator like Putin can only be seen as a badge of honor. Watching the atrocities that Putin is committing on a daily basis against the people of Ukraine is heartbreaking, and it must stop." He concluded that "American leadership must project to Russia that we will achieve peace through strength."
Jamestown man arrested on on drug charges following traffic stop...
A city man faces a number of drug-related charges following a traffic stop Thursday morning in Jamestown's Brooklyn Square area. City police say they spotted 36 year-old Tyler Elsesser's car commit the infaction just after 8 a.m. in the area of Rite Aid at 50 South Main St. Officers say Elsesser pulled into a parking lot, and got out of the car as police pulled in. Police say they found him in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine out in plain view. They then searched the car... and officers found another 1.25-ounces of meth... along with a quantity of Fentanyl, suboxone films and digital scales. Elsesser faces numerous charges... including four counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of drugs. He was taken to the city jail pending arraignment.
Four people arrested during drug bust in Brocton...
Four people from Brocton face a number of drug-related charges following a raid at a home in the north county village just before Noon Wednesday. Sheriff's deputies say members of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force were assisted by the Sheriff's Department SWAT Team in executing a search warrant at 14 John St. Just prior to the raid... one of the suspects -- 43 year-old Shawn Conway -- left the home and was stopped by officers for driving with a suspended license. He was also found in possession of crack cocaine and fentanyl. During the raid... officers arrested three others... including 22 year-old Savannah Dorsey-Carter and 48 year-old Donald Tolbert... who were both wanted on warrants. Investigators say they found drugs... including just over 8 ounces of cocaine... and, nearly 5-ounces of fentanyl... along with more than $447 cash inside the home. The fourth person...57 year-old Steven Andrews... was charged with criminal nuisance for maintaining a residence for persons to gather for the purpose of engaging in unlawful conduct. All four were taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment.
Sundquist says final State budget includes no increase in AIM, but significant increase in CHIPS, other highway funding...
There is some good... and, some bad news for the city of Jamestown in New York state's recently approved, $221-billion budget for 2023. That from Mayor Eddie Sundquist... who says the bad news is they won't be receiving any additional Aid and Incentives to Municipalities funding. Sundquist says that was taken out in final negotiatons with Gov. Kathy Hochul after both the State Assembly and Senate had included increases. He says the additional funding is in addition to increases the city saw in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program... or CHIPS funding... as well as Pave-New York funds. He says the Public Works Department will soon be releasing another "aggressive" road and streets repair program for this construction season. He says most of the work will by done by DPW crews... but, he says they do contract out some of the work, and there are fewer of them now. That also means there are fewer able to handle state construction requirements.
NYS still sees uptick in Homeschooling as COVID pandemic lessens...
The coronavirus pandemic ushered in what may be the most rapid rise in homeschooling the U.S. has ever seen. Now, even with schools back open and vaccines available, many homeschooling families are sticking with it. Data obtained by The Associated Press found homeschooling numbers this year dipped from last year's all-time high, but are still significantly above pre-pandemic levels. Families may have turned to homeschooling as an alternative to hastily assembled remote learning plans. But... they say they're staying with it for many reasons, including continuing COVID health concerns.
