"Suspicious individual" on JHS school grounds triggers lock-out...
With concern voiced over school safety with the horrific school shooting in Texas... a "suspicious individual" seen outside Jamestown High School triggered a "lock-out" this afternoon. Jamestown Public Schools Communications Coordinator Cathy Panebianco says the lock-out was precautionary... and, only lasted a short time. She adds a lock-out was also activated at Washington Middle School as a precaution because city police were looking for a "person of interest" in that area. Panebianco says a lockout means that no one is allowed entry into the school, outside classes are brought inside, and interior operations continue as normal. She says JPD responded immediately, flooded the area, and verified there was no immediate threat. The lockout was lifted prior to dismissal.
Trio of Jamestown residents arrested on drug and weapons possession charges...
Three people face drug, weapons and other charges following a weekend traffic stop on Jamestown's westside. City police say an officers stopped a vehicle on West Sixth St. -- near North Main St. -- shortly after 1 p.m. Saturday. Officers found the driver, 35 year-old Katiria Cruz-Torres, had a suspended license... and, was sought by the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office. They add that a passenger, 37 year-old Joseph Snyder, was sought on a JPD warrant. They were arrested along with a second-passenger, 53 year-old Matthew Hall, after police found quantities of a heroin/fentanyl compound... cocaine and several "controlled" pills inside the car. Police say they also found a switchblade, and items used to package and sell drugs. Torres faces charged including two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, four counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Snyder and Hall also face one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, all three face a criminal possession of a weapon charge.
Eighth Hope and Healing Conference of Western New York set for June 9...
The eighth Hope and Healing Conference of Western New York will be held in early June at the Williams Center on the campus of the State University College at Fredonia. County officials say this year's conference will focus on "mental health and chemical dependency resources" in Chautauqua County. Hope Chautauqua Coalition's Kelly Potter says the one-day conference will be held on June 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and, this year's conference will return to an in-person format and is open to the public. Potter says it's an opportunity for all their partners to share their experiences, and resources that have worked in helping people overcome their illness. She says this year's theme is "Connecting for Hope and Healing." She says registration is required in advance and the cost to attend is $15 per person. Registration includes a boxed lunch. The keynote speaker at 9:15 a.m. will be Dr. Matthew Bellace, who will speak on "Delivering Better Highs and Healthier Lows." For more information... go on-line to hopeandhealingconference-dot-COM. You can also call the Prevention Works office at 664-3608 for more event information.
Sundquist announces reduced City Clerk hours, starting next Tuesday...
Due to staffing shortages... the Jamestown City Clerk’s office will now close early three days a week beginning next Tuesday. Mayor Eddie Sundquist told the city council Monday that they're down two people in that office... and, that's necessitating the temporary change. Sundquist says part of the problem has been lack of qualified people... and, several retirements. That includes the loss of an Account Clerk. With that, they will be closing the office at 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sundquist adds the Clerk's office regular hours of 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. will remain in place for Mondays and Fridays. In the meantime... he says they've had some recent retirees come back to help out, and others coming in part-time to help out. Sundquist adds they've exhausted their civil service list. The Clerk’s office is hiring an account clerk and is accepting applications. For more information... call the Clerks office at 483-7612... or by email at clerk@jamestownny.gov.
Man from Angola arrested for allegedly breaking into Villenova home, and attacking homeowners...
An Angola man has been arrested for allegedly breaking into a town of Villanova home... and, damaging the interior before confronting and attacking the homeowners. Sheriff's officers were called to the scene on Ball Road about 6 a.m. Monday on a report of an unwanted and disorderly person damaging property. On arrival... deputies located 30 year-old Matthew Kennedy -- still inside the residence -- and he was arrested without further incident. Officers say their investigation showed that Kennedy allegedly entered the home by breaking in a door and started damaging windows, cabinets and other household items. Kennedy was then confronted by the homeowners... and, he allegedly kicked both and pushed them to the floor. Kennedy was charged with second-degree burglary... second-degree criminal mischief... Reckless Endangerment of Property... and, two counts of Harassment.
State History Regents Exam canceled in wake of supermarket shooting in Buffalo...
A state exam for New York high school students on U.S. history and government has been canceled in the wake of the racist shooting at a Buffalo supermarket over concerns that material on the test could "compound student trauma." The Regents exam was scheduled to be administered on June 1. But a spokesperson for the state Education Department says after a review following the May 14 shooting, officials determined a question could impact students negatively. The department refused to give any additional information on the question of concern.
