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WJTN News Headlines for Wed., Mar. 15, 2023

Two city men arrested on drug charges -- one for the third time in recent weeks -- following traffic stop...
Two men from Jamestown have been arrested on drug related charges following a traffic stop Monday night... and, it's the third time in recent weeks one has been arrested.  City police say a patrol on the northside conducted the stop about 8 p.m., and, found that Khalif Swanson, Jr., and, Anthony Wallace, Jr., were in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine.  Officers say Swanson tried to run off... despite multiple commands to stop.  He was found a short time later a northside business... and, was found to have been in the presence of a person who had an order of protection against him.  Swanson was arrested for first-degree criminal contempt... seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... criminally using Drug Paraphernalia... and, second-degree obstruction.  He was jailed pending arraignment.  Wallace also faces a drug charge, and was issued appearance tickets for city court.


Woman arrested following two-car, DWI crash in Jamestown...
A two-car collision on Jamestown's northside Sunday night has left at least one person hurt.  City police were called to the scene shortly after 7 p.m., and, their investigation found that 59 year-old Kathie Potts was driving drunk... had crossed the center line... and, struck another vehicle.  Potts was later released with appearance tickets for Driving While Intoxicated... and, moving from lane unsafely.  Poilce add that further charges are pending.


Mayor frustrated over lack of response to fixing new parking meter issues...
A problem with solar chargers for the batteries in several of the city of Jamestown's new parking meters is causing some headaches for motorists looking to park downtown.  The issue was raised by At-Large City Councilman Jeff Russell who heard from a woman before last week's work session who was frustrated over not being able to pay via a phone app for parking near her son's restaurant.  Russell says she was concerned that there was no other way to pay for parking in that part of the downtown area.  He says there's concern that exclusive use of the solar-powered meters may keep people away from downtown.  Mayor Eddie Sundquist said he appreciated Russell bringing up the matter... noting that the administration has been working to rectify the problem.  However... he says they are waiting for parts and new batteries for those meters from the lone distributor.  In the meantime... he says some meters have been replaced with older models that take coins only.  Sundquist expressed much frustration with the lone distributor... saying the city has been trying to get those parts and batteries for the past two months without success.


State legislature one-house bills remove NYS intercept of federal Medicaid monies to counties... 
Both the New York State Assembly and Senate have approved one-house budgets that have removed Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed shift of $625-million in new Medicaid costs to counties.  The decision to reject the governor's plan to move that federal money to state coffers is being "applauded" by the New York State Association of Counties.  NYSAC officials are also calling on lawmakers to "completely remove this proposal from consideration" as leaders negotiated a final spending plan.  Hochul's plan would have the state "intercept" that money to be put into New York's fund balance.  Overall... NYSAC says the State has made progress on this problem, first in 2005, and again in 2015 when it capped the local share of Medicaid.  In 2022... Chautauqua County received $4.3-million in "pass-through" federal monies.


Santos files paperwork to run for re-election...
New York Congressman George Santos filed paperwork Tuesday indicating his intent to run for reelection, even as he faces calls to resign amid ongoing criminal and ethics investigations into lies he told while running for office.  The A-P reports the filing with the Federal Election Commission does not necessarily mean that Santos will run for a second term, but it allows his campaign committees to continue raising money, some of which could be used to pay future legal bills.  Money he raises could also be used to repay more than $700,000 that he claimed to have loaned his campaign.  The Long Island Republican has admitted to lying about having Jewish ancestry, a Wall Street background, college degrees and a history as a star volleyball player.  But serious questions about his finances have also surfaced — including the source of what he claimed was a quickly amassed fortune despite recent financial problems.


City announces annual "Turning the River Green" event this coming Saturday...
The Chadakoin River will be turned green again this coming weekend as the city of Jamestown observes St. Patrick's Day with it's annual celebration.  Mayor Eddie Sundquist says Jamestown is just one of three communities in the U-S that turns it's river "green" for St. Patrick's Day.  Sundquist says this year's "Turning the River Green" event will take place Saturday -- the day after St. Patrick's Day -- from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Main Street Bridge... next to the Jamestown Area Medical Associates building.  He adds that -- starting just after 11 a.m., the Board of Public Utilities will help Jamestown's "Lucky Leprechaun" turn the Chadakoin River green.  He says there will be other activites taking place in the JAMA Parking lot area... including games for the children from "PlayCHQ..." along with face painting and others.  Collaborative Children's Solutions is helping to coordinate this year's event with the city... and, the BPU.  A scavenger hunt is also part of this year's festivities.