City lawmakers approve purchase of SWAT Vehicle for JPD...
The Jamestown City Council has approved spending nearly $250,000 for a new Bearcat SWAT Vehicle for the Jamestown Police Department. Lawmakers unanimously approved the purchase during last night's voting session. City Council President Tony Dolce says the Bearcat will be purchased using American Rescue Plan Act funding... and, can be used for much more than drug raids. Dolce says it can be used for hostage situations, and active shooting incidents. That's because the vehicle will be armored... unlike the current van they use. Dolce also pointed out the need to have a vehicle that can protect officers from armed drug dealers during raids. However... Councilman Bill Reynolds noted it probably won't be until about this time next year they'll get the vehicle. The new SWAT Vehicle will be purchased from Lenco Armored Vehicles of Massachusetts for just over $247,000.
Council approves more than $1.8-million in ARPA funding for business assistance, and Senior housing issues...
City lawmakers last night also authorized an additional $1.8-million in spending of ARPA funds to help local businesses... and, seniors improve their homes. The City Council unanimously approved seven grants for those businesses... six for just over $198,000... and one was for just over $192,000. Council President Dolce says those businesses had to apply for the funding and meet a number of criteria... including how much they would need, and what it would be used for. All seven grants were approved by the Jamestown Local Development Corporation... but, Dolce says council had to approve them because they were for more than 100-thousand dollars each. They went to El Greco Woodworking... Dawson Metal... Artone Manufacturing... International Ordinance... National Wire and Metal Technology... Colecraft... and, Shawbuck's.
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The City Council also approved another $500,000 for the city's Senior Citizen Home Improvement Incentive Program. The city went through the initial half-million dollar allocation very quickly... and, the decision was made to provide more funding. The money will come from ARPA's Healthy Communities and Neighborhoods fund program.
Cattaraugus County teen arrested for allegedly having sex with underage girl in Silver Creek...
An 18 year-old man from Conewango is accused of having sex with an underage girl in the town of Hanover. Chautauqua County Sheriff's deputies say they began an investigation last July 5, and, determined the teen did have sex with the girl -- who was under the age of 15 -- in Silver Creek on at least one occasion. Officers say the unidentified teen was arrested for second-degree rape... and, held pending centralized arraignment.
Mayville woman arrested for alleged "Financial Exploitation..."
A woman from Mayville is accused of stealing money during a "financial exploitation" investigation. Sheriff's deputies say they received a referral from the county's Adult Protective Services last August regarding the matter. Officers say an investigation by the department's Criminal Investigation Division led to the arrest of 35 year-old Anna Kelley for fourth-degree Grand Larceny... as well as third-degree unlawful possession of Personal Identification Information. Kelley was issued appearance tickets for Chautauqua Town Court at a later time.
New hunting and fishing store opens in Cassadaga...
The ribbon has been cut on a new hunting and fishing store in the village of Cassadaga. Several dignitaries were on hand for the ceremony at Valley Outdoors, located at the corner of Route 60 and High Street. County Executive P.J. Wendel says the store, which is owned by local businessman Adam Diate, says the store features plenty of outdoor equipment for local sportsmen and women for hunting, fishing, archery equipment for people who don't want to drive elsewhere to find a Cabella's or Dick's Sporting Goods. State Senator George Borrello was also on hand for the ceremony. He says the store will be a "great addition" to the Chautauqua region... noting that visitors will also have a chance now to buy what they need here locally. Other officials on hand included Assemblyman Andy Goodell, some members of the Chautauqua County Legislature, and Stockton Town Supervisor Dave Wilson.
Washington Street reconstruction in Jamestown to go into Winter...
Jamestown city officials have been notified by New York state that the $4.2-million upgrade and repair project on Washington Street that began earlier this year will not be completed this year. That from Mayor Eddie Sundquist... who recently updated the City Council on the matter... noting that a lot of work remains to be completed, and, we're already in late October. Sundquist says Public Works Director Jeff Lehman has sent a letter to the DOT, putting them on notice about not addressing the state of the road, intersections, and curbing. He says... due to the lack of progress on the project... there will be a "huge issue" with plowing, mobility and access. Public Works Director Jeff Lehman later said that his department had received a response from the state Department of Transporation about efforts to expedite the work. Lehman says the DOT replied that they will work to get the contractor to improve the situation... but, he says the project is under their jurisdiction. The project began in mid-March of this year... with new crosswalks and pedestrian lights to be put in by Catco Construction. He said there wa also going to be a simulaneous waterline replacement project, as well between Sixth and 22nd streets. Lake Shore Paving was doing that project.
