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WJTN News Headlines for Thurs., Mar. 2, 2023

Hochul announces several WNY leaders now support her proposed "Housing Compact..."
Several elected leaders and other officials across Western New York are endorsing Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed "Housing Compact" that's part of her 2023-24 budget proposal.  Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist and Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas are both on-board with the plan to build 800,000 new homes over the next decade.  Hochul says her proposal would make New York "more livable, more accessible and more affordable."  Mayor Sundquist thanked the governor for sitting down with leaders and explaining the compact... adding "this would be a transformational piece of legislation that attempts to tackle housing challenges across the state."  Rosas says Hochul has "presented a bold vision and plan to address the most basic of needs with her New York Housing Compact to meet the crisis level demand for quality, affordable, and safe housing in Dunkirk and across the state."


Conewango Valley man arrested in Ellington for Felony DWI -- Leandra's Law violation...
A Conewango Valley man is accused of a Leandra's Law violation -- and other charges -- following an alleged drunk driving accident in the town of Ellington.  Sheriff's deputies were called to the intersection of Old Chautauqua and Hagerdon Roads shortly after Midnight last Saturday.  Officers identified the driver as 26 year-old Michael Miller... who was inside the car along with a juvenile passenger.  Neither of them were hurt in the single-car crash... but, were checked over at the scene.  An investigation found that Miller was driving while intoxicated... and, he was arrested for Felony Aggravated DWI Leandra's Law... DWI... endangering the welfare of child... failure to stop at a Stop Sign... speed not reasonable or prudent... and, not wearing a seatbelt.  He was issued appearance tickets for Ellington Town Court. 


Schmidt says Richard faces up to 25 years to life if convicted in Blake murder case...
A Jamestown man faces up to life in prison if he's convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting death of a town of Ellicott man in early January.  Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt says 18-year-old Tucker Richard was arraigned on a Grand Jury inductment Tuesday morning in County Court.  Schmidt says Richard had been living with 57-year-old Scott Blake before he allegedly shot him on Jan. 6, following what appeared to be a domestic issue.  Schmidt says second-degree murder is a Class-A2 violent Felony, and the sentence for a conviction is 25 years to life.  He says Richard has been in custody since that incident.  He remains in the Chautauqua County Jail on $2.5-million bail... , $5-million property bond... or 10% of a $10-million secured bond.  Schmidt says Richard is apparently the son of Blake's ex-girlfriend... and, he was living at Blake's at the time.  He's to be back in court Mar. 31.


Boil Water Order in Fredonia lifted...
The Chautauqua County Health Department has now lifted the boil water order for all Village of Fredonia water customers... including those outside the village limits.  Officials say water leaving the treatment plant has been adequately treated since late last Sunday... and, consecutive day sample results show the water throughout the distribution system is safe for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, and making coffee.  They say all plumbing lines that have not been used regularly since the boil water went into effect should be flushed before water from that line is consumed.  That includes ice makers and refrigerator water dispensers.


Developer closes on Welch's Building in Westfield and project can now go forward...
A project involving the historic rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the Welch building in the village of Westfield will now be able move ahead.  Chief Executive Officer Mark Geise with the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency says '2 Portage, LLC' will now be able to develop the 51,000 square foot structure located in the French Portage Road Historic District.  Geise says he's excited that work will be able to get underway on the project that has been years in the making, and the developer has now closed on the property.  The IDA approved a $475,000 Al Tech Revolving Loan Fund loan along with other incentives.  Geise says the building will include residential units and commercial space.  He says there will be 46 housing units... and commercial/retail businesses on the first-floor.  Geise says the Welch's Building dates back to 1909... and housed the offices of Welch Foods until it was sold to a private developer in 2005.


Salute to the Finest honors two local businesses...
This week on WJTN news we’ve been highlighting award winners from the Salute to the Finest… an annual presentation by the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce.  The ‘Retailer of the Year’ award was given to Everyday’s True Value Hardware on Foote Ave.  Mike Laurin has owned the store since 2021... and says it would not be possible without his team of employees, and a supportive community.  The ‘New Business of the Year’ award went to Southern Sails Junk Removal.  Russ and Heather Spunaugle were planning to move south in 2021 and bought a trailer to get rid of some ‘extra stuff.’  Instead of moving, they decided to stay here and help others get rid of THEIR ‘extra stuff.’  Russ Spunaugle says it’s been very satisfying because they've been helping to "change people's lives."  The Salute to the Finest Awards were presented Monday night at the Northwest Arena.