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WJTN News Headlines for Thurs., June 9, 2022

Two men -- one from Jamestown -- indicted for allegedly trafficking "large amounts" of narcotic drug...
A city man has been indicted -- along with a prior Felon from Buffalo -- for allegedly trafficking large amounts of heroin and fentanyl in the region.  U.S. Attorney Trini Ross has announced a federal Grand Jury returned the narcotics conspiracy indictments against 38 year-old Joseph Zaso of Buffalo... and, 47 year-old Denver Komenda of Jamestown.  In addition... Ross says Zaso is charged with using and maintaining a drug-involved premises and distribution of fentanyl.  He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in federal prison, and a maximum of life.  Komenda is also charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.  Prosecutors say the two men are accused of conspiring to possess and sell the drugs... and, using a home in Jamestown between September of 2018 and May of this year for their drug-trafficking activities.


Chautauqua Mall announces Buddy Brewster's Ale House to move into former Ruby Tuesdays...
A north county restaurant will be opening a second location in the Jamestown area this coming Fall.  The Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood has announced that Buddy Brewster's Ale House will be opening the new location at the former Ruby Tuesday's on the Fairmount Avenue side of the mall.  The Professional Hospitality team... which also owns and operates the Chop House on Main in Jamestown... and, the Village Casino in Bemus Point... has already begun work on the new location.  They were recently approved for a building permit by the Lakewood Village Planning Board.  Buddy Brewster's offers a diverse, homemade menu with a fully-stocked bar, and outdoor dining available.  


Head of Heritage Ministries sounds off on new nursing home penalties...
New York state is continuing to deal with a nursing shortage... and, two new measures approved by state lawmakers will make more difficult for nursing homes to provide services.  That from Heritage Ministries President and Chief Executive Officer Lisa Haglund... who says they are supporting a lawsuit by the "LeadingAge" group against the state, and Governor Kathy Hochul.  She says they're trying to prevent the state from enforcing what she calls "punitive measures" on homes that pay too much overtime to meet minimum standards of care.  Haglund says that's led to New York being short about 12,000 nurses right now.  She says Heritage is better of than many facilities, though.  Haglund says the new measures would impose fines when nursing home facilties have to use overtime to comply with providing 3.5-hours of care per resident -- per day.  She thanked state Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Andy Goodell for voting against the new measures.


Wendel gets update on where ImmunityBio project is...
ImmunityBio remains on track with its plans for the Athenex plant in town of Dunkirk... which the California based company acquired in February.  That's according to County Executive P-J Wendel, who says the Department of Planning and Economic Development, met with the company's Human Resources Director on Tuesday.  Wendel says county officials wanted to get an update on the 400,000 square foot facility on Route 5.  He says what they've been going through is part of the process of getting their drugs and vaccines approved, processed, and to market.  Like most other businesses... Wendel says the company been affected by supply chain issues.  However... he says there's no long term issues expected... so they should be able to keep the process moving forward.  Wendel spoke about scheduling the meeting with ImmunityBio during an appearance before the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce last Friday.


Rosas asking for state help if Brook's Hospital ends up moving from Dunkirk to Fredonia...
The city of Dunkirk is planning to ask for financial assistance from New York State -- if Brooks Memorial Hospital relocates to the village of Fredonia.  That from Mayor Willie Rosas... who spoke about the issue during Tuesday's Common Council meeting.  Rosas says if the hospital leaves Dunkirk, he would like Governor Kathy Hochul's Office help with repurposing the current hospital building, and addressing a gap in services for the "less fortunate in our community."  Rosas, who was involved in a rally last weekend to keep the hospital in Dunkirk, says he would rather have a hospital in Fredonia than no hospital in the area, but not without having the city's concerns addressed.  The Mayor says Governor Hochul is aware of the city's situation, and he plans to further discuss the issue with her office on Friday.  Brooks-TLC has until June 22 to buy the property in Fredonia.


More controversy surrounding Paladino as he looks to run for Congress is re-drawn 23rd District...
A New York Republican running to represent a congressional district that includes southern suburbs of Buffalo, New York, shared and deleted a conspiracy-laden Facebook post suggesting a racist mass shooting in Buffalo and other mass killings were part of a plot to take away people's guns.  The lengthy June 1st post shared by Buffalo developer Carl Paladino said in almost every mass shooting, including the shooting at a grocery store in Buffalo last month... and, a shooting at a Texas elementary school, ``there are strange occurrences that are never fully explained.'' Paladino denied writing the post initially, but then changed his story in an interview with the Buffalo News.  Paladino is being challenged by New York state Republican Party Chairman Nick Langworthy... who is a Chautauqua County native.  He recently received a conservative Party endorsement to run.  State Senator George Borrello is also reportedly weighing a run for the position.