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WJTN News Headlines for Tues., Aug. 23, 2022

Two arrested in connection with last Friday's fatal, drive-by shooting in Jamestown...
Two Jamestown men have been arrested in connection with last Friday afternoon's drive-by shooting that left one person dead... and, another seriously wounded.  City Police Chief Timothy Jackson told members of the City Council's Public Safety Committee about the arrests of 32 year-old Joseph Fontanez-Walker... and, 22 year-old Kevin Roldan-Pantojas late Monday.  That from Committee Chairman Brent Sheldon... who says JPD Chief Timothy Jackson informed the committee about the arrests, which occured just prior to the meeting.  Jackson says they are working with the District Attorney's Office on the charges.  The shooting in the 800-block of Prendergast Avenue left 35 year-old Jesus Batista-Perez dead... and, a second, unidentified man, wounded.  Police add that the black Toyota four-door sedan that was previously posted has been located.  If you have any information on the incident... call JPD at 483-7537... or the confidential tips line at 483-8477.


City Council members react to, and discuss what to do about gun violence uptick in city...
Last Friday's fatal, daylight shooting incident led to much discussion about the issue of gun violence in the city of Jamestown... and what to do about it.  While lawmakers recently agreed to hire more police officers to put on the streets to deal with the situation... resident Doug Champ criticized council and Mayor Eddie Sundquist for waiting about a year to start doing something with American Rescue Plan Act funds.  Champ urged using more of what's left over of ARPA funds -- about 20% -- for public safety.  He says if there's $10-million in funding left... they should put at least $2-million towards public safety.  At-Large Councilman Jeff Russell... a retired city police officer... says he's "frustrated" by the situation.  Russell feels there needs to be more work done at the neighborhood-level using "zero tolerance" to make it uncomfortable for the drug and gun traffickers.  A "zero tolerance" program was used... often successfully some years back... to put more heat on those involved in criminal activity to get them off the streets.  While he believes some bail reform was needed... Russell said he was also frustrated because it went "too far."


Special Election and GOP Primary Day underway in 23rd Congressional District...
Chautauqua County Elections commissioners say that early voting for Tuesday's Special Election and Republican primary for the 23rd Congressional District seat went better than expected.  That from Republican Commissioner Brian Abram... who says 1,670 voters took part in the Special Election between Republican Joe Sempolinski... and, Democrat Max Della Pia.  Abram adds that 585 took part in the GOP Primary... but, added those voters had to be registered Republicans.  He says that early voting allowed poll workers to work out the kinks... and, voters responded.  In fact... he says turn-out was even better than the gubernatorial primaries in June... when 900 people voted early.  Democratic Elections Commissioner Luz Torres says early voting ended Sunday... and, the actual Special Election and primary day is Tuesday.  Torres says poll will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and, all 49 of the county's polling sites will be open.  She and Brian Abram say ALL voters will receive a ballot for the Special Election.  If your a Republican... you will also receive a ballot for the GOP Primary.


Hochul says new COVID guidelines get children back into school...
Circumstances have changed a lot since last year... and, with that Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that New York State will be easing COVID guidelines for schools this Fall.  During a briefing on COVID-19 and monkeypox in New York City Monday... Hochul said the state will be aligning its guidance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before the start of the school year to make sure kids are in the classroom.  Hochul says there's "no replacement for in-classroom learning."  She says the changes include ending "test to stay" and full-class quarantining.  She says children who come in contact with someone who tested positive... but, don't show symptoms... and, stay in class with a mask on.  Hochul says... with the new guidelines... an entire classroom will not be sent home.  She adds that the state will once again launch its "vax to school" program.


Ashville mobile home damaged by fire...
Firefighters from several departments responded to a trailer fire on the Carpenter-Pringle Road near Ashville early Monday morning.  Chautauqua County Sheriff's dispatchers say Ashville firefighters got the call around 12:30 a.m., and, received mutual aid from Panama, Bemus Point, Lakewood, Chautauqua, Sherman, Ellery Center and County Emergency Services.  No injuries were reported.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.


JHS Band learning fall's show, and preparing for preview program this Friday...
The official opening of school is still a couple of weeks away.  But the Jamestown High School Marching Band is already busy learning this fall’s show...'Lunar Odyssey.'  Band Director Meghan Murray says they are using a new tool to teach the marching part of the show.  It’s called‘Ultimate Drillbook’ which is an app that can be downloaded, and shows the students where they need to go.  Some phones were donated to make sure every student had one.  The app replaces the old-style, spiral-bound index cards.  Murray says there’s an opportunity to see the band’s progress later this week on Friday night, Aug. 26 at 8 p.m. and is open and free to the public.  The Fall Festival of Bands, with seven performing groups, will be held at Strider Field on Sat., Sept. 17.