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WJTN News Headlines for Tues., July 19, 2022

City Council committee hears concerns from landlords about new proposed, housing ordinances...
Several landlords in the city of Jamestown are voicing concerns over three proposed ordinances regarding vacant property, rental inspections, and dealing with public nuisance matters.  Members of the Real Estate Investors Association addressed the City Council's Housing Committee last night, questioning the reason for repealing two current laws for new ones... and adding the third regarding vacant property registration.  Committee Chairwoman Maria Carrubba says the landlord registry is needed because contact persons and phone numbers are needed by first responders for emergencies.  Landlords did voice concern over the fact the ordinances seem to put more responsibility on the landlords in situations were the tenant may be at fault.  Carrubba says some responsible landlords have complained about getting licensed plumbers and electricians to do on-site inspections in a timely manner.  She says they are in the process of setting up a meeting with the REIA on the proposed ordinances.


Sundquist speaks with City Council on growing homeless issue...
The city of Jamestown is also seeing a growing "homeless" problem that was the focus of a major leadership meeting last week.  Mayor Eddie Sundquist says they've seen an increase in people staying under viaducts, the riverwalk, the parks and elsewhere.  Sundquist says they're working to improve safety and security in some of those areas to open up, and better light those areas, and work with local agencies on better addressing the issue -- especially in providing shelter.  Sundquist says there have been no significant public safety issues yet.


Dryer vent issue triggers Sinclairville house fire...
A fire that began early Sunday afternoon in the town of Gerry has left a family at least temporarily homeless.  Sheriff's Department investigators say Sinclairville fire crews were called to a resident on Damon Hill Road just after 1:30 PM... and, once they got the blaze under control... called in fire investigators.  Members found a dryer vent is where the flames originated... and, the cause was accidental.  No one was hurt... and the family is being assisted by the local Red Cross.


Investigation continues into shooting incident in Dunkirk...
The investigation is continuing into a reported shooting that occurred on Route 60 in the city of Dunkirk Sunday night.  Witnesses tell Dunkirk Police that vehicle that was traveling south on Route 60 was being shot at by a second car that was passing the first vehicle.  Two juveniles sustained gunshot wounds as a result.  The occupants sought safety and medical assistance at the Red Apple Kwik Fill in Fredonia.  The juveniles, who were not identified, were taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital for treatment.  The Dunkirk Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact the police desk at 716-366-2266 or the confidential tip line at 716-363-0313.  Dunkirk Police received assistance from Fredonia Police, the State Police, the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office and Fredonia Fire.


Fredonia mayor pleased to see local businessmen buying the former White Inn... 
Fredonia's top elected official is pleased with the announcement that a local businessman and a restaurant partner intend to purchase and restore the historic White Inn.   Mayor Doug Essek spoke about the announcement by Steve St. George and Davin Jones Monday... and, says he's excited to hear about the plans that St. George and Jones have for the location on East Main Street.  He says the White Inn has been closed since 2017, and has suffered from neglect.  Essek also thanked the county's Industrial Development Agency for their work on the effort.  St. George and Jones intend to purchase the downtown property from New Jersey-based J-G Funding Corporation for an undisclosed amount.  Essek says the new owners are both from the local area and that should be a plus... because they have a baseline to work with having lived here.  In a statement released late Friday... St. George said he knows what the White Inn means to the community, and he wants to do everything in his power to restore hotel and restaurant.


Head of Scandinavian group praises first full Scandinavian Festival in Jamestown since pandemic began...
The first Scandinavian Folk Festival since the pandemic began was a big hit.  It was held Saturday and Sunday at the Northwest Arena.  The festival is under the auspices of the American Scandinavian Heritage Foundation.  As it drew to a close Sunday, foundation President Jeff Kroon said crowds were "very steady and very busy" mid-day on Saturday... and, good Sunday, when another 250 people attended.  The festival includes music, dancing, food, lectures, demonstrations... and Scandinavian goods.  This was the first time the festival was ever held in downtown Jamestown. 


New "home of" sign put up at cityline for Jamestown's 10,000 Maniacs...
Jamestown has added another city entrance sign on North Main Street -- at the city line -- honoring the hometown "10,000 Maniacs."  Members of the band... which celebrated it's 40th anniversary last year... joined with Mayor Eddie Sundquist... and other elected officials to unveil a new “Home of 10,000 Maniacs” sign at the North Main Street entrance sign.  They join Lucille Ball, Roger Tory Peterson, and Robert H. Jackson as those honored on City entrance signs.  The band's Dennis Drew, Steve Gustafson, and Jeff Erickson from the band were in attendance.  They were also joined by State Assemblyman Andy Goodell, Senator George Borrello, Councilmen Brent Sheldon and Bill Reynolds, along with a representative of County Executive P.J. Wendel’s office.