One teen killed, two others seriously hurt in bizarre vehicle-pedestrian accident in Cattaraugus County...
One teenager was killed... and, two others were seriously hurt after a pickup truck went out of control and stuck a parked Jeep... then a car... in the Cattaraugus County Town of Porttville. Sheriff's officers in Little Valley were called to the scene on Route 417 just before 1:30 a.m. Saturday. Deputies say the pick-up, driven by an unidentified 20 year-old man, hit the jeep which was legally parked on the side of the road. The jeep was propelled forward across a lawn where it struck the 19 year-old boy... who died at the scene. Officers say the truck then struck the car before going across a lawn. One or both vehicles then struck an 18 year-old girl and a 16 year-old girl. Deputies say the 18 year-old was taken to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo where she's in critical condition. Officers say the 16 year-old was being treated for multiple injuries at Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo. Sheriff's deputies say the investigation is continuing... and, they suspect intoxicants may be involved.
Trio arrested for drug possession during traffic stop in downtown Jamestown...
Three men were arrested early last weekend following a traffic stop in downtown Jamestown for allegedly trafficking methamphetamine and Fentanyl. City police say they stopped a car in the area of West Third and Cherry Streets about Midnight Saturday... and, found the driver, 27 year-old Jeremy Fish of Jamestown, was driving drunk. Further investigation turned up quantities of the two illegal narcotic drugs... along with scales and packaging materials. Police arrested Fish, along with 21 year-old Austin Weatherby of Jamestown... and, 27 year-old Jonathan Wright of Randolph. Fish faces numerous charges... including DWI... third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation... and third and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Both Weatherby and Wright were arrested for third and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and criminally using drug paraphernalia. All three were taken to the city jail pending arraignment.
Long-time union leader, and local volunteer receives Ritzer Labor Award...
There was a light sprinkle yesterday afternoon... but, a good crowd was on hand at Jamestown's Bergman Park for the first Labor Day Festival since the COVID Pandemic began. There was plenty of music and food during the day. A major highlight on the main stage was the annual presentation of the George Ritzer Labor Award by the Jamestown Central Labor Council. Mayor Eddie Sundquist announced Karen Olson as this year's winner... and, talked about her many years of service to the community... including receiving the Joseph Mason Community Service Award for union leaders who do a lot for their communities. She's also been a long time member of the Celoron Fire Dept. Auxillary... treasurer of the United Auto Workers Local #338, and retired from TRW, MRC-SKF. Olson says she had to be talked into receiving the Ritzer Award because she didn't feel worthy of receiving it. State Assemblyman Andy Goodell presented commendations from both he and State Senator George Borrello. Olson urged those on hand to join their local volunteer fire department, because their numbers have been dwindling. Chautauqua County Executive P-J Wendel was also on hand to present a commendation to her.
Stockton man arrested following large fight, and threatening another person with a machete...
A man from Stockton has been arrested on menacing and other charges after allegedly arguing with multiple people at a location on Route 380... and, pulling a machete on one of them. Sheriff's deputies were called to the scene shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday... and arrested 30 year-old Justin Grant for allegedly commiting the offenses in front of young children living in the home. Grant was arrested on charges including second-degree menacing... second-degree aggravated harassment... second-degree harassment... and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He was taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment.
Falconer Schools ready to go on Tuesday...
For most students in the Falconer Central School district... the first day of classes tomorrow will be a full-day of instruction. That from School Superintendent Steven Penhollow... who says their youngest students at Temple Elementary School will only have a half-day of class. Penhollow says that is for Pre-K through Second-Grade. All others have a full-day of class. Penhollow says they're especially ready to have a relatively "normal" opening with most COVID restrictions having now been lifted. As for whether they have any shortages in teachers or bus drivers... he says they've been diligent over the Summer to make sure they have everything covered. With the issues caused by the COVID Pandemic regarding learning, and socio-emotional problems... Penhollow says the Falconer School district has added more nursing staff... along with social workers and others to help students during the school year.
Several states extening Medicaid coverage for new mothers...
Several states around the country are making it easier for newborn moms to keep Medicaid in the year after childbirth, a crucial time when depression and other health problems can develop. But... tight government budgets and low reimbursement may ultimately limit this push and make it hard for patients who get expanded coverage to find doctors willing to take it. Since the spring... 23 states and Washington, D.C., have said they will extend the government-funded coverage for 12 months after babies arrive. That's up from a requirement to keep it for only 60 days, after which many women lose coverage.
