Weather service ups projected snowfall totals, issues Winter Storm Warning...
Some parts of Chautauqua County may see a foot of new snow by tomorrow morning... as a Winter storm system intensifies over the region through the day today. The National Weather Service in Buffalo is continuing a Winter Storm Warning through 7 a.m. tomorrow for all of Chautauqua County. Forecaster David Thomas says the typical areas -- mainly the Chautauqua Ridge -- will receive the most snow... with 7 to 12 inches possible by mid-morning tomorrow. The weather service says snow could be heavy at times during the day today. Thomas says the most difficult conditions will mostly likely come tonight... as temperatures drop and roads become snow-covered. During the day today... Thomas says we're looking at snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches possible. The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office reports some cars off the road today, and advises motorists to slow down for the conditions.
Two arrested on drug and other charges following Hallock Street traffic stop...
Two men -- one from Jamestown -- have been arrested following a traffic stop on Jamestown's westside that turn up several kinds of illegal drugs. City police say they stopped the car... driven by 38 year-old Paul Briggs of Jamestown... in front of 40 Hallock St. late Wednesday morning. Officers say they arrested Briggs after he was found to be driving with a suspended license... and, he had several outstanding warrants for his arrest. His passenger... 30 year-old Ryan English of Warren, Pa., was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of cocaine. Police later found Briggs had concealed three different kinds of controlled substances... along with a quantity of pills and methamphetamines hidden inside his pants. He was arrested on multiple counts of third and seventh-degree criminal possession of controlled substance... Felony fugitive from justice... and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. English is charged with seventh-degree criminal possession. Both were jailed pending arraignment.
About a dozen members of JFD attending Buffalo firefighter funeral...
At least a dozen Jamestown firefighters will be on hand for this morning's funeral procession for fallen Buffalo firefighter Jason Arno. Arno died while battled the four-alarm fire last week that destroyed a building on Main Street in Buffalo. The procession began at 9:30 a.m. along the route... and, it will also offer citizens the chance to line the streets of the route, and pay their respects. We did try to reach Deputy Jamestown Fire Chief Matt Coon for comment... but, were unsuccessful Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel... a long-time Lakewood firefighter... talked about the risks for both professionals and volunteers.
JLDC facing allegations that it violated it's own by-laws in awarding ARPA business grants...
The question is being raised over whether the Jamestown Local Development Corporation violated it's own by-laws in approving American Rescue Plan grants to three entities with ties to JLDC board members. The loans were recently approved by the board for "It's Your Day..." a wedding planning business owned by City Councilman Jeff Russell's wife. Russell is a JLDC Board member. In addition... Jamestown Skate Products, owned by board member Pete Scheira... and St. Lukes Church, whose pastor, Luke Fodor, is also a board member, received ARPA Grants. Scheira and Russell recused themselves from the vote. However... resident Doug Champ said at this week's City Council work session that that's not enough... the by-laws should have been followed by the get-go. Mayor Eddie Sundquist says those matters were looked into... and, still are. Sundquist says the city -- through the JLDC -- is serving as a "pass-through" entity for doling out the ARPA business grants. He adds the city has held talks with New York state for an interpretation of the law... and will work with the city to hone it's guidelines. Sundquist emphasized that no money has been doled out to any of the entities involved so far... pending the outcome of the investigation.
UCAN Shelter gets additional NYS grant monies...
A homeless shelter for men will receive a small portion of about $13.3-million that's being awarded for emergency and permanent housing in Governor Kathy Hochul's budget. Hochul says the projects... including the one at the United Christian Advocacy Network -- or UCAN -- City Mission... are designed to help entities providing housing options for the homeless. The governor says the largest award is going to The Salvation Army of Buffalo... totaling $10-million to help build 32 units -- including 80 beds of emergency housing for homeless families. Locally... UCAN Mission Executive Director Aaron Wadin says their 100-thousand dollar award from the 'Homeless Housing and Assistance Program' is being used to "replace our ancient heating system" for the shelter.
Ross Grange to host Mental Health program for rural communities on Monday...
The Ross Grange is inviting the public to a meeting next Monday afternoon to talk about a 'silent epidemic' facing rural parts of the state. One of the speakers will be Jeff Winton... a Chautauqua County native... who founded the national organization called 'Rural Minds' and says there are three areas they'll touch on, including isolation, suicide, and substance use disorder. Winton lost a nephew to suicide early in the 2000's... and, says the 'independent' people who live in rural areas are often reluctant to acknowledge and talk about mental illness... even though it is prevalent. He says, from 2000 to 2020... suicide rose 27% in urban/suburban areas... and nearly 50% in rural areas. The program will be held next Monday, March 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the Falcon's Nest in Falconer... and, is open to the public at no charge.
