Five escape serious injury in head-on crash on Rt. 60 in town of Charlotte...
An early morning head-on collision on Route 60 in the town of Charlotte Monday injured five people... and two of them were sent to the hospital.  Sheriff's officers say they were called to the scene... along with Sinclairville Fire rescuers, and mutual aid... just after 7 a.m. between Moon and Luce Roads.  Deputies found that a southbound pickup truck, driven by 49 year-old John Lemke of Angola, was allegedly passing another vehicle in a marked 'no passing' zone.  While passing the other vehicle... Lemke struck a northbound construction truck pulling a trailer.  The collision significantly damaged both vehicles.  The construction vehicle driver and three other occupants suffered minor injuries.  The driver was taken to the hospital, along with Lemke.  Officers say his license had 10 state suspensions and revocations.  Lemke was cited for second-degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation... switching plates, Unsafe Passing, Failure to keep right, and other traffic violations.

One person taken to Erie, Pa. hospital for serious injuries after two-car crash in town of Sherman...
One person suffered serious injuries in a two-car crash on the Sherman Stedman Road in the town of Sherman early last Saturday morning.  Sheriff's officers were called to the scene about 1:30 a.m., and on arrival... found a passenger in one of the vehicles had been seriously hurt.  That person was transported to UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pa. for treatment.  The Sheriff's Department Accident Reconstruction was called in to investigate the scene.  Deputies say at this time... the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

City council to consider program to eradicate "Tree of Heaven" invasive plant during Chadakoin River restoration effort...
The first-phase of the Chadakoin River restoration project has been completed... but, future phases are being influenced by an invasive tree species that's taken over three areas of the shoreline.  That from the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy's Twan Leenders... who recently updated the City Council on the project.  Leenders says phase-on began on March 10th... and, involved removing debris, and dead trees in using four "trap areas" to minimize impact on property.  He says doing that minimized the impact on shoreline areas.  However... Leenders says there are three areas of the river where an invasive tree species, called "Tree of Heaven..." has caused major concern.  He says the problem with "Tree of Heaven" is that it will crowd out other species -- including natives.  That makes it hard to get rid of.  He says if you don't get rid of it properly... it will secreet stress hormones to the roots, and up to 40 or more new shoots will come up.  Leenders says there are specific chemical treatments that have to be used because they can kill off the tree's root systems.  He says another problem with "Tree of Heaven" is it attracts the invasive "Spotted Lanternfly..." which creates havoc for fruit plants.

Jamestown Pride Festival draws large numbers to downtown...
Saturday’s Pride Festival was just the second annual for the city.  Jamestown Pride’s coordinator, Sheridan Smith, found the large turnout reassuring to a part of the community that has sometimes felt fear.  Smith says it was an opportunity to show people that those in the LGBTQ+ community are welcome.  Smith also believes ‘pride’ in Jamestown is more than just one day.  He says more and more, it's becoming part of the 'year round fabric of our lives.'  A common sight at the festival were ‘Jamestown Pride’ tee shirts and bags.  Sheridan Smith says proceeds from those items help fund the pride committee’s activities.

City's Public Market opens in concert with Pride Festival...
The opening of the Jamestown Public Market combined with the Jamestown Pride festival made for a big day downtown on Saturday.  Market Manager Linnea Carlson says the combined event "was amazing" and the largest one they've had for the market.  The market, located on Third Street between Main and Cherry will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the fall with a wide variety of local produce, as well as beef and pork.  Several growers had fresh strawberries for the market opening.  A number of specialty products will be offered through the summer as well.

Andrew Guilani says he's been barred from GOP Gubernatorial Debate due to no proof of reciving a COVID vaccine...
Republican New York gubernatorial candidate Andrew Giuliani says he has been barred from participating in-person in an upcoming primary debate because he has refused to submit proof he's been vaccinated against COVID-19.  The son of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani held a news conference Sunday outside the offices of CBS-TV, which is televising the debate Monday night. Giuliani says he has chosen not to be vaccinated... but, said he told debate organizers he would take multiple tests leading up to and on the day of the debate.

Celoron Rib-fest makes big return...
Following a two year absence due to the COVID pandemic... the Celoron rib-fest had a triumphant return.  Mayor Scot Schrecengost says this "might have been one of our best years."  Schrecengost says it took some work, but, everything ran "great."  He says Wednesday and Thursday were ‘good’… while the weekend crowds were ‘booming.’  In addition to ribs, there were live bands, children’s activities, a car show…. and more at Lucille Ball park.  Schrecengost believes rib-fest is great for the whole community because it gives back to many non-profit organizations including the Celoron Fire Department and Celoron Moose Club.