Community Spotlight, the area's longest running local public affairs radio program, airs on all six Media One Radio Group stations each weekend and is also available to hear in our Podcast Section.  Each week we sit down with a community leader or another special guest to talk about issues within our community.  


Weather Forecasts are available across our radio stations each day and also as your fingertips! 

Connect with The National Weather Service's Buffalo Office or with WGRZ-TV for accurate weather information!

 

 

 


 

WJTN News Headlines for Mon., Aug. 15, 2022

Hill, Hochul emphasize the need for Chautauqua Institution to carry out mission after Rushdie attack...
Controverial author Salman Rushdie is "on the road to recovery" three days after suffering serious injuries in a stabbing at a lecture at Chautauqua Institution.  In addition... security has been beefed up at the Chautauqua County religious and cultural retreat.  Governor Kathy Hochul addressed a gathering of press and institution residents Sunday afternoon... and, condemned the "cowardly attack" on Rushdie... along with anyone "that would dare violate the sanctity of a place like Chautauqua."  Prior to the press conference... Rushdie's agent said a ventilator had been removed from the 75-year-old's throat, and he was able to speak again.  However... he said Rushdie still has a long road ahead with injuries that are likely permanent.  Chautauqua President Michael Hill expressed gratitude for the good news regarding both Rushdie and Henry Reese... who was to interview Rushdie last Friday as part of the institution's lecture series.  Both were attacked by 24 year-old Hadi Matar of New Jersey.  Security and members of the audience helped tackle the attacker, and get Rushdie to a waiting helicopter to be taken to an Erie, Pennsylvania hospital. 


Security at Chautauqua being beefed up amid attack on Rushdie...
Chautauqua Institution officials insist they took security precautions this season... especially regarding speakers like Salman Rushdie.  However... President Michael Hill noted that there will be an increased police presence at the institution the rest of this season... and, years to come.  Some of that was outlined by State Police Commander Kevin Bruin... who says they'll do it in conjunction with the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office, and some of it people will see.  Bruin says that will include more uniformed troopers, and K-9 units in the area.  Other aspected, he says, you won't see... such as background checks, and threat assessments.  He says they will work with local police to improve security... along with the Buffalo Office of the FBI.  The institution is also instituting a "no bags" policy for people coming onto the grounds beginning today.  A trooper assigned to last Friday's amphitheater lecture was among those who initially grabbed the suspect and wisked him away.


County D-A Schmidt announces charges against Matar...
The New Jersey man accused of attacking famed author Salman Rushdie at the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater on Friday was formally charged Saturday.  District Attorney Jason Schmidt says 24-year-old Hadi Matar is charged with second-degree attempted murder in connection with the attack... and is jailed without bail.


Rushie eyewitnesses share the horror of that morning...
Two people who were in the Chautauqua Amphitheater when Salman Rushdie was attacked have spoken… anonymously... to Media One Radio News relating what they saw.  One of them was seated about three-quarters of the way up from the Amp floor... and, called it "horrifying."  The woman says the attacker got onto the stage quickly... and, began attacking Rushdie with the knife.  The second observer had just shown her ticket at one of the entrances when the attack began.  She made her way toward the stage to see what was happening... and, she saw about 8 to 10 people trying to hold down the attacker.  Both described the audience as stunned, with some people screaming. 


Pa. man seriously hurt in ATV accident in Sherman...
A Pennsylvania man was seriously hurt last weekend after his all-terrain vehicle crashed on the French Creek Road in the town of Sherman.  Sheriff's officers were called to the scene shortly after 3 p.m. last Saturday... and, found that 25 year-old Eli Laramie of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, was operating the ATV on private property when the accident occured.  Deputies say Laramie suffered serious injuries, and was later flown to UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.  Sherman fire rescuers assisted at the scene.  No charges have been filed.


Exhibit of Johnny Carson opens at Comedy Center...
Several former guests from "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" were on hand last Saturday to cut the ribbon on an exhibit of his work at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown.  They also shared rememberances on stage at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts Saturday night.  During the ribbon cutting... Center Director Journey Gunderson welcomed long-time "Tonight Show" producer, Jeff Sotzing, and the others.  Sotzing had been part of the Carson show for some four-decades... in later years as a producer.  The center's "Carson Tonight" exhibit includes a just over 30-minute video presentation, hosted by current "Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon.  Gunderson adds there are dozens of artifacts from Carson's show... including the Rainbow curtain he came out from behind each night to open the show.  Also on hand for the programs were Comedian Cathy Ladman, Ventriloquist Jay Johnson, and Wildlift Expert Joan Embery. 


Cruise In another big success...
With over 200 vehicles, and throngs of people Friday at the ‘Cruise In’ in downtown Jamestown... there was just enough room for one other thing.  That was the band ‘In Crowd’ entertaining as the intersection of Third and Main became a dance floor.  Just a few steps away was WJTN’s Tom Schmidt, who appears daily on the Weather Outside.  He was there with his two Fiats to take part in the fun event that brings a lot of friends together.  Sam Ognibene, of the Der Kobblers Car Club, helps organize ‘Cruise-In’ each year.  He thinks there are several reasons why the show is so popular -- mainly that it's held on a Friday evening.