(**Bulletin)Jacobs announces he won't run for Congress again after backing assault weapons ban...
Republican Congressman Chris Jacobs of New York says he will not run for another term in Congress amid backlash over his support for new gun control measures. Jacobs, who represents suburban Buffalo, told reporters Friday that he has decided to retire instead of facing what he said would be ``an incredibly divisive election.`` His announcement comes just days after he voiced support for a federal assault weapons ban and other gun control measures. Gerard Kassar, who chairs the New York State Conservative Party, welcomed Jacobs' decision. He said the party had been ``perplexed'' by Jacobs' recent stance.
State legislature approves package of bills including ban on anyone under 21 from buying, selling or possessing a semi-automatic rifle...
New York's legislature has voted to ban banning anyone under age 21 from buying or possessing a semi-automatic rifle. The legislation is a major change to state firearm laws. It was passed late Thursday, less than three weeks after an 18-year-old used one of the guns to kill 10 people at a supermarket in Buffalo. Other new legislation will restrict civilian purchases of bullet-resistant armor, which was worn by the killer in Buffalo. Bills would also require new guns to be equipped with microstamping technology that can help law enforcement investigators trace bullets to particular firearms. Legal fights over the legislation are expected.
Borrello says Senate GOP proposed it's own gun, crime laws...
While the state legislature's Democratic majority seems poised to act on measures to strengthen New York's gun laws... State Senate Republicans have countered with their own proposals to stymie rising gun violence. Local State Senator George Borrello says he backs a proposal that would strengthen the weak areas in the state's mental health system. Borrello says he would also like a measure to fully fund and mandate armed school resource officers in every school building in the state. He says "we could do that easily... and, it would truly help protect our children."
Schmidt pleased Jamestown man gets maximum for assault of corrections officer...
A Jamestown man will spend the maximum seven-years in state prison after being convicted for assaulting a corrections officer at the Chautauqua County Jail last year. District Attorney Jason Schmidt says 51 year-old Oliver Bookman also received three-years parole supervision on the charge of second-degree assault -- a Class-D violent felony. Bookman was convicted in a jury trial back on Mar. 16 for the assault... which occured in June of 2021. Schmidt was pleased with the sentence... stating “an assault on any person is bad enough, but any attack on the men and women who serve our community and put themselves in harm’s way to protect the rest of us is terrible and egregious. I hope this conviction sends a message to the community that these types of crimes will not be tolerated in Chautauqua County.” Schmidt and First Assistant DA Andrew Molitor prosecuted the case.
JHS back pretty much to normal as school year comes to a close...
The atmosphere in local schools... including Jamestown High School... has been much better than it was at the beginning of the school year last Fall. That from JHS Principal Dana Williams... who says operations are pretty much back to normal as the COVID pandemic wanes. During an interview on our Dennis Webster Show Thursday morning... Williams said the biggest improvement has been in student attitude and morale. He adds it's also boosted their attendance. With that... Williams says they are moving full speed ahead with end of school year programs... beginning with their Awards and Scholarships Night last night... and, then others including the Battle of the Classes... and, it's capped off by graduation near the end of the month. For the most part... Williams says teachers and students have worked hard to mitigate learning problems during the pandemic... which led to what educators called "The COVID Slide." He says they told teachers to adapt their curriculum to "meet kids where they're at" during the school year.
Dunkirk schools investigating lock-down Malfunction at high school...
A malfunction in Dunkirk High School's new lock-down system triggered a lockdown that lasted about 30 minutes Thursday morning. Dunkirk Police responded to the alarm and the Dunkirk City School District in a news release indicated that no immediate threat was detected in any of the district's buildings.
Busti-Kiantone solar project to be part of NYS "large-scale solar and energy storage projects..."
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced awards for 22 large-scale solar and energy storage projects... including one in Busti and Kiantone that will deliver enough clean, affordable energy to power over 620,000 homes... and, do it for at least 20 years. Hochul made the announcement Thursday that this is the state's largest land-based renewable energy procurement to date... and, the projects will spur over $2.7-billion in private investment and create over 3-thousand short- and long-term jobs across the state. The York Run Solar project in the towns of Busti and Kiantone will involve construction of a 90-megawatt Solar facility. It is one of four facilities announced for Western New York... and, Hochul "these awards accelerate progress to exceed New York's goal to obtain 70-percent of the state's electricity from renewable sources by the year 2030."
Tarp Skunks open season with many returning players, fans and win over Olean...
Jaemstown Tarp Skunks Catcher Johnny Kampes had such a good time playing for the team last season, he came back this year. During a preview event prior to last night's opener against Olean at Diethrick Park... Kampes said he liked the laid back approach of the coaches... the tight bond with his teammates… and the crowds. He called it a great experience. The next Tarp Skunks won last night's game 2-0 with only one hit in the game. They're in Niagara Falls tonight. Jamestown's next home game is Tuesday against Newark.
