Community Spotlight, the area's longest running local public affairs radio program, airs on all six Media One Radio Group stations each weekend and is also available to hear in our Podcast Section.  Each week we sit down with a community leader or another special guest to talk about issues within our community.  


Weather Forecasts are available across our radio stations each day and also as your fingertips! 

Connect with The National Weather Service's Buffalo Office or with WGRZ-TV for accurate weather information!

 

 

 


 

WJTN News Headlines for Fri., Feb. 3, 2023

Goodell gives mixed review of Hochul's 2023-24 budget proposal...
Chautauqua County's representative in the New York State Assembly is giving Governor Kathy Hochul's 2023-24 budget proposal mixed reviews.  On the positive side... Jamestown-area Republican Andy Goodell says he supports Hochul's proposal to put nearly $1-billion more into in-patient mental health services... which he says is much needed.  Goodell says the deinstitutionalizing of seriously mentally ill patients has been on a dangerously downward trend the past couple of decades.  County Executive P.J. Wendel says that's needed in the north county where there are few if any such beds left.  Goodell says he's also pleased to see additional money going to provide youth employment to help keep kids out of trouble.  He's also pleased to see additional funding for transitional health care for new hospital construction.  Goodell says that should help Brook's Hospital build a new facility.  On the negative side... Goodell says he's concerned to see spending increase by $5-billion, bringing the governor's spending plan to $227-billion.  He believes the people should be able to spend more of their money "the way they want to."  Goodell also repeats a familiar refrain by local State Senator George Borrello that large numbers of New Yorkers are leaving the state -- or have -- because of taxes and the cost of living. 


Whitaker gives mixed review of Foundation Aid in Hochul's budget plan...
The head of the Jamestown Public Schools is offering a mixed reaction to news that New York state will fully fund local Foundation Aid for the first time.  School Superindent Kevin Whitaker says he's pleased to see Governor Kathy Hochul include full funding for the largest part of state school aid.  However... Whitaker says it's because a state court ordered it... and, likened it to a tenant who hadn't paid the full rent for the past 10 years.  He says the districts took the state to court, and the court issed the directive.  However... Whitaker says the governor is playing it like it's something they're doing on their own.  Hochul says she's adding $2.7-billion in Foundation Aid... which provides more flexibility to districts to use.  The battle for full Foundation Aid funding was headed up by the Campaign for Fiscal Equity... which represented schools in the matter.  Hochul adds her budget also boosts overall aid to schools to a record, $34.5-billion.  


City woman arrested for ATV thefts in Stockton...
A Jamestown woman has been arrested for allegedly stealing two all-terrain vehicles from a Fenner Road residence in the town of Stockton.  Sheriff's officers say they received a burglary complaint early last December... and, investigated.  That probe led to the arrest of 29 year-old Shannon Boardman... who is accused of entering a garage unlawfully... and, took the two ATVs.  Boardman was jailed pending arraignment on charges of third-degree burglary and fourth-degree grand larceny.

Carey, AAA provides tips to avoid dead car batteries during cold snap...
AAA is preparing for an increase in call volume due to the falling temperatures early this coming weekend.  Spokesperson Elizabeth Carey with AAA of Western and Central New York says dead batteries can be a problem... especially for cars with older batteries.  If it's more than 3-years old... Carey says you need to drive that car at some point to keep the charge in that battery.  She adds that, if possible, park inside a garage where it's warmer.  If you need help getting your car started... she says AAA is calling in extra crews for the weekend.


4-H Green Tie Affair to be held in late February...
For the first time since 2020... Chautauqua County 4-H will hold its ‘Green Tie Affair’ fundraising dinner.  The event will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 at Chautauqua Suites in Mayville.  4-H Program Lead Educator, Lindsey Crisanti, says they hope to raise $25,000... and, she says "all the money will go directly towards programming for the children."  She says presale tickets are $25 each... and available from Cornell Cooperative Extension at the Carnahan Center at Jamestown Community College.  Full table sponsorships are also being offered at $275.  Crisanti says... following the dinner... there’s the famous ‘pie auction...' where hundreds of dollars are offered for the pies.  This year’s ‘Green Tie Affair’ has a 1950’s theme.  Guests are encouraged to come in costume.


Dunkirk Dave doesn't see his shadow, indicating early Spring...
Ground Hog Day has brought some conflicting predictions from two well-known ground hogs.  The more famous Punxsutawney Phil from Western Pennsylvania saw his shadow Thursday morning, meaning six more weeks of winter, according to folklore.  But Dunkirk Dave also ventured out from his warm home around sunrise... and, he predicted an early spring.  Bob Will, Dunkirk Dave's handler, explains what took place after Dave had some pie around 7:30 a.m., and he says Dave stayed outside, and that means he wasn't scared off by his shadow... which Will says means "early spring weather!"  The Ground Hog Day tradition on Farmlane Road in the town of Dunkirk has been going on for several years.  Will says the event received some special recognition this year... with special certificates from State Senator George Borrello, and Congressman Nick Langworthy.  About three dozen people turned out for the annual event.