City Council looking to vote on adding 13 new firefighters next week...
The Jamestown City Council is expected to wote next week on two resolutions that would allow up to 13 new firefighters to be hired to ensure full-staffing for the fire department. The main resolution accepts a $1.8-million dollar Federal Emergency Management Administration SAFER Grant to hire eight new firefighters. Deputy Fire Chief Matt Coon says the grant will pay wages and benefits... but, adds since training is not included... they're working to address that through local training program using some in-house personnel and state trainers from the region. Typically... new firefighters would be trained at the state's Fire Academy in Montour Falls. However... that's for only one or two each semester. Councilman Jeff Russell expressed concern over the fact the grant runs for three-years, and then either the added firefighters are "absorbed" into the system... or are laid off. Mayor Eddie Sundquist says the city received a waiver, and will not have to pay matching costs... and, possibly others that will save money. The Finance Committee also approved a measure lifting to hiring freeze to bring on five new firefighters that were already budgeted for 2023. In addition to fully staffing all stations... the hiring would allow for a second-ambulance to be staffed. Coon says this would increase staffing at the JFD from 56 to 68 firefighters.
City man arrested during traffic stop for drug trafficking...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for alleged drug trafficking following a Sunday afternoon traffic stop in the area of North Main and East Third Streets in the city. Jamestown police say officers working a targeted patrol detail saw the vehicle... operated by 49 year-old Drew Thompson... fail to come to a complete stop shortly after 5 p.m. Police investigated... and, found the Thompson was in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine, scales, drug packaging and a drug ledger. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the city jail without incident. Thompson is charged with third-degree criminal possession of a Controlled Substance -- with intent to sell... two counts of second-degree criminally using Drug Paraphernalia... and, various traffic citations. He was held pending arraignment in city court.
Quattrone outlines new use of drones by Sheriff's Dept...
Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone says his department's new Drone Unit is something they have been trying to develop for years now. The Sheriff's Office recently announced the establishment of the new unit... via social media. Quattrone went into more detail recently... noting efforts for a drone unit began after an attempt to locate a missing person. The Drone Unit consists of members from multiple divisions, who are required to obtain a Part 107 UAS pilot certificate through the Federal Aviation Administration. Quattrone says they will have three drones that can be used to look for lost or missing individuals, as well as for tactical situations. He adds that the Sheriff's Office purchased the Drone Unit through a donation from an anonymous county resident whose property will be used for drone training.
Heritage supporters rally today for more Medicaid funding for senior living facilities...
Some residents at facilities operated by Heritage have organized a rally for Noon today in the parking lot of Christ First United Methodist Church on Buffalo Street in Jamestown. One of the people involved, Don Peterson, says they are rallying because New York state is not putting enough into senior living facilities. For many years, Peterson says as many as 75% of their residents are on Medicaid. Organizers hope to get the attention of Albany lawmakers before the state budget is wrapped up later this month. Peterson says the chronic under funding makes it difficult for organizations like Heritage... because they're losing about 30% of their daily funding need to care for those residents. They have recently formed residents 'advocacy group' that's taking the lead on the Medicaid issue... with the approval of Heritage.
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The New York State Association of Counties reported last week that a controversial plan for Albany to 'intercept' over $600-million dollars in Medicaid money headed for counties had been removed from the 'one house budgets' in both the Senate and Assembly.
Mayville man arrested for DWI following ATV accident...
A man from Mayville is accused of being drunk after crashing his all-terrain vehicle into a ditch in the town of Chautauqua last Saturday night. Sheriff's officers were called to the scene on Potter Road shortly before 9:30 p.m., and, found the ATV in the ditch. Deputies say bystanders told them they saw a man in dark clothing run up the road... and, away from the scene. Officers later located the suspected operator, 37 year-old Christopher Kent, some distance away from the location. Further investigation found that Kent was operating the ATV drunk... and, he was arrested for DWI... Aggravated DWI... speed not reasonable and prudent... unregistered motor vehicle... and, moving from Lane Unsafely. He was issued appearance tickets for Chautauqua Town Court.
Essek not running for mayor again in Fredonia...
Fredonia Mayor Doug Essek has decided that one term in office is enough... and, he won't be seeking a second term for the village's top-elected office. Essek, who defeated former Mayor Athanasia Landis in November 2019... announced his decision Monday morning in the north county. In making the decision... Essek said he had "different things going on in his life" and was ready to move onto the next chapter. Earlier this month, village resident Mike Ferguson announced he's running for mayor. Ferguson ran for Chautauqua County Executive against now-State Senator, George Borrello in 2017.
