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WJTN News Headlines for Fri., Dec. 16, 2022

Two people arrested in Westfield -- again -- on illegal drug charges...
Two Westfield residents have been arrested -- again -- for allegedly being in possession of illegal drugs during a third raid on their home this year.  Sheriff's officers say their Narcotics Investigation Team... along with members of the Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team... and others... executed a search warrant Thursday morning at 7617 Felton Rd.  The Sheriff's Office had previously executed search warrants at this same residence back on Sept. 8 and 23.  Police arrested 34 year-old Mark Baker... and Alexis Campbell on several drug possession charges... after finding a quantity of methamphetamine, fentanyl, clonazepam... drug paraphernalia, cash and four long guns.  Both face Felony third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance charges so far.  Both were taken to the county jail pending Centralized Arraignment.  Anyone with information about suspicious or narcotics related activity in their area is asked to call the Narcotics Investigators Tip line call at either 800-344-8702 or 716-664-2420.


Gillibrand hopes approval of one-week continuing resolution leads to omnibus spending bill approval...
The U.S. Senate has now approved the one-week continuing resolution to keep the federal government operating through next Friday, Dec. 23.  New York Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand supported the measure... which she says gives lawmakers time to finalize a one-year, omnibus bill next week.  Gillibrand says both bills are important to our state because it includes funding for state projects... defense spending for places like Ft. Drum, health care... and, the "9/11" victims fund.  She says the omnibus bill is going to be the culmination of the past two-years of work in the one-dozen areas of federal spending.  That bill is expected to cost about $1.7-trillion. 


Sundquist says city looking to move forward on West Third St. Streetscape project with new lighting and trees...
Jamestown officials say -- depending on how cooperative the weather is -- work to complete the West Third Street new tree planting project may begin shortly.  That from Mayor Eddie Sundquist this week... who says they are starting to get some of the trees that will replace the old Cathedral Oaks that had to be taken down due to disease and age.  Sundquist gave an update during this week's City Council work session... and, says they'll be reaching out to property owners about putting the trees in either before we get fully into Winter... or when the weather breaks in the Spring of 2023.  He says the recent delay has also been caused by the fact they haven't received the new lighting fixtures for that area between Hall and Hallock Streets.  He says those are on "back-order..." but, the bases are now in.  As opposed to one type of tree replacing the large Oak trees... City Parks Manager and Arborist Dan Stone has decided on a few varieties of trees to avoid disease that got into the Oaks over the years. 


Many JPS students still having trouble dealing with social and emotional aspects of being back in school...
Students are in class... without masks or other restrictions.  However... Jamestown School Superintendent Kevin Whitaker says school is not 'normal' yet.  Dr. Whitaker says the effort to get back to normal has taken a toll on everyone... but, especially younger childre.  As a result... he says some students are having trouble with the social and emotional aspects of being in school.  He says some students had a 'rocky return' as they struggle with dealing with larger groups... and, hallways full of people.  Attendance in the city schools this month has not suffered from the flu or other illnesses... at least so far.  And Dr. Whitaker does not anticipate a return to state mandated masking at this time.  He spoke during an interview with our Dennis Webster Thursday morning on WJTN.


Holiday Haul underway... and running through Saturday afternoon...
The annual 'Holiday Haul' for St. Susan's Center is underway at the Jamestown Cycle Shop in Brooklyn Square.  Strong winds and freezing rain were much in evidence as Northwest Arena Executive Director Keith Martin launched the 10th annual effort early Thursday morning.  Martin says they hope the community responses like it has in the past.  He and other volunteers will accept food... and, financial donations for Jamestown's largest soup kitchen again until 6 p.m. today... and, one last day Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The Executive Director of St. Susan's, Cherie Rowland, says all donations will be gratefully accepted, but they are in particular need of canned fruits and vegetables, condiments, and coffee.  Rowland says they're averaging about 120 people coming into the soup kitchen every day.  The 2021 Holiday Haul brought in over 6 1/2 tons of food, and over $24,000.


Comedianne Amy Poehler to join National Comedy Center's Advisory Board...
A well-known comedic actress is the newest member of the National Comedy Center's advisory board of directors.  Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson says Amy Poehler is joining the panel in 2023... and, adds that the actress, writer, producer and director joins a roster of creative talent who helps guide the Center’s mission to present the story of comedy in its state-of-the-art museum and to preserve its heritage for future generations.  Gunderson says Poehler's had a "wide-ranging comedy career that includes improvisation... situation comedy... and feature films.  The Emmy Award-winner has been acclaimed for her eight years as a cast member, and writer on Saturday Night Live... and, as lead actor, producer and writer on NBC's 'Parks and Recreation.'