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WJTN News Headlines for Mon., May 2, 2022

JPD on look-out for suspect(s) in connection with weekend shooting death...
The search for the person or persons involved in a fatal shooting incident on Jamestown's eastside last weekend continues today.  City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says officers were called to the scene on East Sixth Street -- at American Place -- just before 11:30 p.m. Saturday on a report of multiple shots being fired.  Police were also told that a vehicle had arrived at UPMC Chautauqua Hospital, with a shooting victim inside.  However... they say 37 year-old Shawn Black of Lockport later died at the hospital.  Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call JPD at 483-7537... or the anonymous tipline at 483-Tips... that's 483-8477.  Samuelson says all calls will be kept confidential.


Sunday night fire in Dunkirk causes heavy damage to small residence...
Dunkirk city firefighters responded to their second structure within a week, battling a house fire on Lake Shore Drive West Sunday evening.  Fire Captain Gary Katta says crews were called out to 363 Lake Shore Drive West around 8 p.m. where they found heavy fire both inside and outside.  Katta says they were able to get a hand-line inside the home quickly, though.  Dunkirk received assistance from the Battalion One coordinator and Alstar Ambulance at the scene.  East Dunkirk Fire was on standby. Katta says there were no injuries reported.  He says fortunately... none of the residents were home at the time.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation.  Katta says it’s not believed to be of suspicious nature.


County Chamber, SBDC, kick-off Small Business Week in Ashville...
Several local elected and business leaders crowded into the Ashville General Store this morning to kick-off National Small Business Week in the county.  The event was put on jointly by the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, and Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College.  Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Heitzenrater says the importance of small businesses was never more evident than it was during the COVID Pandemic... because it got new interest going in buying and shopping local.  Small Business Development Center Director Courtney Curatolo says they also work with the county chamber to help new businesses get up and running... through "free and confidential business guidance" in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties.  Proclamations for Small Business Week were offered by County Executive P.J. Wendel... and, a representative from State Senator George Borrello's Office.  Nationally... officials say a small business is defined as an "independent" business operation with 500 or fewer employees.  The event also kicked-off the local chamber's Spring Membership Drive.


SBDC Awards go to three during AGS event...
Two small businesses were recognized during the event at Ashville General Store... including The Hot Spot Cafe in the city of Jamestown.  Courtney Curatolo says Owner Hector Alvario started his business on Valentine's Day of 2020... only one month before the COVID Pandemic shut-down.  He was presented the New York State Minority Entrepreneur of the Year award... for his work to keep his business going during that time through a strong take-out business.  In addition... Curatolo says the Ashville General Store... and, Owner Jackie Francis... were also honored with the state SBDC's "Community Business of the Year."  The business started up in 1991 on Route 474... and, provides a unique shopping and restaurant experience for local residents... and, tourists alike.
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In addition... the Small Business Development Center presented a surprise, state award to County Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, Mark Geise, for his and his department's efforts to work with local businesses during the pandemic.  Geise received the SBDC's "Phoenix Award" for outstanding contributions to disaster recovery by a public official.


Wendel says some supervisory personnel being moved, but, not services from Dunkirk...
There will still be social and health services provided by Chautauqua County in the city of Dunkirk... but, there are some staffing moves that are taking place.  That from County Executive P.J. Wendel about the decision to move staff out of the Graf Building... with some going into the A.J. Sam building there.  Wendel says others are coming to Jamestown.  He says it's part of recommended changes from a 2019 study by the Center for Governmental Research, and includes Adult Protective, and Child Protective Services.  Wendel says the moves were to be made during 2020... but, the moves had to go on the back-burner due to COVID-19.  He says about 10 -- mainly supervisors -- are impacted.  Wendel says some services are being moved -- but, will remain in Dunkirk.  He says the Office of Mental Hygiene will soon be moved to the A.J. Sam building... and, adds that county Probation has already been moved there. 


Mayville man arrested for menacing following fight late last week...
A Mayville man has been arrested for allegedly getting into a fight with another person late last week... and, threatening the victim with a "deadly weapon."  Sheriff's officers were called to the scene on Potter Road just before 3 p.m. last Thursday on a report of a physical altercation.  Deputies found that 27 year-old Alexander Latta had gotten into the fight and threatened the other person before running off on foot.  Officers located Latta a short time later with the help of Sheriff's Office K-9 "Bentley," along with a State Police K-9 unit.  Latta was arrested an charged with second-degree menacing... and, second-degree harassment.  He was also found to have an outstanding warrant for him in Pennsylvania.  The alleged weapon was not identified.  Latta was taken to the county jail pending arraignment.