Pair of teens shot in incident near Zeldin's home on Long Island...
New York congressman and Republican candidate for governor Lee Zeldin says his family is safe after two teenagers were shot outside his Long Island home.  Police said two 17-year-old boys suffered injuries that weren't life threatening Sunday when they were hit by gunfire from a passing car.  Zeldin says he and his wife were not at home at the time of the shooting... but, that their teenage daughters heard gunshots and screaming.  The wounded teens then tried to hide in Zeldin's yard, ducking under his porch and into the bushes, while the person who was with them fled.

City man arrested for criminal mischief following disturbance at northside 7-Eleven...
A Jamestown man is accused of causing a disturbance... and, damaging the front door to a convenience store on the city's northside last weekend.  City police were called to the 7-Eleven store at 518 North Main St. just after 5 p.m. Saturday on a report of a disorderly person.  On arrival... officers learned that 60 year-old Randy Harrington became disorderly inside the store... and, damaged the front door while arguing with an employee.  Harrington was arrested for fourth-degree criminal mischief.  He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court at a later date.

City man arrested for alleged domestic incident...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly threatening another person... and, damaging that person's vehicle... during a domestic dispute last week.  City police were called to a southside location last Wednesday... and arrested Nathan Ernewein for second-degree harassment.  Officers say Ernewein allegedly threatened to kill the victim... as well as damage their vehicle.  Ernewein was also charged with third-degree criminal mischief.  He was taken to the county jail without further incident pending arraignment.

Sundquist says spending is up in proposed 2023 budget, but, tax rate remains the same...
While spending is up in Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist's proposed 2023 budget plan... there no tax rate increase.  Sundquist says there are a number of reasons for that.  However... one was a move made sometime ago with SUNY Jamestown Community College to hire a grants writer for both the city and the college.  Sundquist pointed out that person has been able to obtain $7.3-million in grant funding so far to help lower operating costs, and not increase the tax rate.  Another factor behind the zero-percent tax rate increase... says Sundquist... is a 6% increase in property values.  He says those have been on the rise the past couple of years... starting with a 4% increase in 2020.  Sundquist says the presented his $38.68-million spending plan will hold the tax rate at $23.69 per $1,000 full value.  He adds that this budget also reflects a reduction in the city's constitutional tax limit to just under 88%.  That means there is some room to increase taxes... but, he is not proposing an increase.  

Rosas proposes no tax increase budget for Dunkirk...
Dealing with some personnel costs is included in Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas' proposed 2023 city budget.  Rosas presented the $26.3-million spending plan at City Hall last Friday afternoon. The proposed budget is about 6% larger than the current year's spending plan.  However... even while spending is up, Rosas says, there is no tax rate increase.  There are also no changes proposed for sewer and water rates.  Rosas expects to increase spending when it comes to the budget line for the city attorney... because current Attorney Richard Morrisroe will be leaving the post at the end of the year.  He says they want to make sure they can hire a person that has the experience needed for the job.  Rosas has also included funding for a Human Resources Director, something he will be asking the Common Council to include in the final budget.  The final budget plan is due by Dec. 15.

Kick-off held for "Toys for Tots" Campaign...
The Southern Tier Distillery was the location Friday for the kickoff and first fundraiser for this year’s Toys for Tots campaign in Chautauqua County.  One of the coordinators, Heather Brown of the Resource Center, took note of the 2021 numbers.  Brown says they served 4,390 children last year... and, more than 1,641 different families... which she called "a lot of impact."  Early indications point to equal or greater need this year.  Terri Johnson, also of the Resource Center, is another of the coordinators.  She says it gets exciting when groups and businesses start competing to be the best.  For information on helping Toys for Tots this year, find Chautauqua County Toys for Tots on Facebook… or contact any of the coordinators:  Patrick Smeraldo at Fletcher School, or Heather Brown or Terri Johnson at the Resource Center.

Lakewood Library reopens...
A seven month odyssey for the Lakewood Memorial Library came to an end on Saturday as the ribbon was cut on the newly renovated building.  The building was abruptly closed and evacuated in February after a roof leak threatened the contents.  Library board vice-president Amy Anderson praised the work of library staff led by director, Shannon Taylor, for their work and dedication during the shut-down and transition.  The director said she was filled with gratitude for the support from the public... and, that the library is back open.  Shannon Taylor thanked all who helped in the project… including the Lenna Foundation which funded the new roof and heating system.